Deepa Malik, Sakshi Kale & Cecille Rodrigues honoured on International Women’s Day 2024

Goa, India: In line with Vedanta’s commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion at the workplace, and women empowerment, Vedanta Sesa Goa carried forward its Nationally acclaimed initiative -#IronLadiesIndia2.0. on International Women’s Day within India and beyond. With fervent celebrations, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO- Sesa Goa and Mr. Sourav Seksaria, CFO, Sesa Goa honoured the achievements of women achievers such as Dr. Deepa Malik, Sakshi Kale, & Cecille Rodrigues. The campaign aims to spotlight stories of women achievers, honouring their exceptional contributions while paying tribute to the ‘Iron Will’ of women within and outside the organization. This year’s events also included the felicitation of those men, who have worked for the welfare and wellbeing of women viz. Mr Arunendra Pandey from NGO Arz & Mr Donald Fernandes from NGO Street Providence.

“At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we’re committed to creating an environment where women not only excel but lead on regional, national, and international stages. Our #IronLadiesIndia2.0. campaign epitomizes this dedication, celebrating the unyielding ‘Iron will’ of women within and beyond our organization. We empower women through various initiatives aimed at fostering economic self-reliance such as Project Jivika & SHGs, promoting inclusivity through sports such as Vedanta Women’s Football League & Sesa Football Academy, alongside technical skill development such as ITI & computer courses. Beyond professional achievements, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our female workforce, offering support such as sabbatical leaves for post-birth care and a ‘No Questions Asked’ work-from-home policy to ensure their mental and physical health. Proud catalysts of their metamorphosis, we shape personal and professional growth, nurturing sustainable societal advancement.” said Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO- Sesa Goa, Vedanta Ltd.

During the event, Ms. Deepa Malik, Arjuna Awardee & Para-Olympic Silver Medalist stated that “I am honoured to be a part of the #IronLadiesIndia2.0 initiative of Vedanta Sesa Goa. Being termed an ‘iron lady’ is a matter of great pride for me and I will continue to demonstrate ‘ability beyond disability’ and continue to support women in their endeavours. My best wishes to the whole team of Sesa Goa for this campaign saluting the iron will of women.” As the recipient of prestigious accolades including the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award, she has etched her name in the accounts of Indian sports history. She has also been working tirelessly to empower and enable underprivileged people with disabilities through her foundation Wheeling Happiness.

Ms Cecille Rodrigues expressed her thoughts at the event and said that was a great experience to be a part of Vedanta Sesa Goa’s closing ceremony of the #IronLadiesIndia2.0 campaign. I urge all fabulous women out here to focus on themselves & undertake de-stressing activities from time to time, to care for their physical & well-being. Dance is one of those activities that helps so many people rejuvenate themselves, including myself.” Cecille is an incredible woman who has overcome incredible challenges and her participation in the dance reality show “DID Supermom” helped amplify her influence, earning her the moniker ‘Super Mom’ and garnering admiration nationwide.

Recounting on her experiences, Ms. Sakshi Kale expressed that “There is no shortcut to hard work & it is only with sheer perseverance that one can succeed at their chosen paths.” She also thanked Vedanta Sesa Goa for bestowing this honour & felicitating her. Sakshi Kale is a 19-year-old champion athlete from Usgao, Goa. She was the first blind athlete to win a medal for Goa at the Para Athletics National Championship in Bhubaneswar in 2022 and has become an inspiration for many despite being visually impaired.

Ms. Sandhya Malik, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Vedanta Sesa Goa, stated, “It has been an absolute honour to witness that the #IronLadiesIndia2.0 campaign has evoked unprecedented, genuine engagement & support from the #SesaGoaCommunity & beyond, which salutes the ‘Iron Will’ of women & is a celebration of their remarkable resilience & strength. For us, it has always been about recognizing women like Dr. Deepa Malik, Sakshi Kale & Cecille Rodrigues who’ve broken countless barriers to reach the pinnacle of their respective fields, the glass ceilings they have shattered, and the invaluable impact they have had in inspiring us all. Through this campaign, we want to commemorate these women as we aim to inspire a new generation of women leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are unafraid to challenge the status quo.”

The company launched a campaign on its digital and numerous communication platforms that demonstrated the laudable achievements of women from community and Vedanta Sesa Goa. Videos of Vedanta Sesa Goa employees and community women achievers highlighting their journeys, were shared on social media and through other communication platforms. Through this campaign, Vedanta extended an invitation to everyone to join in celebrating and saluting the ‘Iron Will of Women’ who inspire and empower countless others.

The event also saw several women employees of Sesa Goa being recognised by the Senior Management of Sesa Goa for their contributions namely Ms. Manali Turkar, Ms. Samantha Pereira, Ms. Rinki Patel, Ms. Swetha JS, Ms. Nilima Gadekar, Ms. Ananya G, Ms. Priyanka Baboria, Ms. Priyanka Naik, Ms. Saumyata Singh & Ms. Pradnya Sawant. The campaign has received an overwhelming response from employees and business partners of Sesa Goa as well as the community at large across all Sesa Goa locations in India and West Africa namely, Goa, Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Liberia.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s dedication to women empowerment extends beyond the workplace, with initiatives such as educational field trips and volunteerism activities aimed at empowering women in the community. Notable achievements include a significant increase in gender diversity ratios and recognition for excellence in diversity and inclusion at various national and international platforms.

The Vedanta Group demonstrates a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exemplified by recent initiatives such as the recruitment of women from defence services. Through DEI, the company fosters creativity, broader thinking, and fresh perspectives, contributing to enhanced performance and growth. Several programs have been designed to promote inclusiveness and develop women leaders, including initiatives in corporate and industrial security.