Tata Steel has etched its name into history by operationalising India’s first-ever all-women shift at its Noamundi Iron Mine. The pioneering initiative underscores Tata Steel’s unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable workplace and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The all-women shift, which commenced today, includes women employees handling all mining activities for the shift. This encompasses roles such as Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators, including shovel, loader, drill, dozer operators, as well as shift supervision.

The historic moment was flagged off by  Shyam Sundar Prasad, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, SE Region, Ranchi, Jharkhand.  Prasad applauded the initiative, highlighting the government’s progressive stance in permitting the deployment of women in all mining shifts since 2019. He described Tata Steel’s move as a monumental step in promoting workplace equity and setting a new benchmark for the Indian mining sector.

 Rakesh Rameshwar Mishra, Director Mines Safety, Chaibasa, and  Sudheer R, Deputy Director Mines Safety, Chaibasa, were also present on the occasion, reiterating their support for initiatives that foster inclusive growth.

D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Raw Material, Tata Steel, lauded the initiative, stating: “This all-women shift represents a landmark achievement not only for Tata Steel but also for the Indian mining industry. It is a testament to the resilience and capability of women breaking stereotypes. It is also a reflection of our belief that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and operational excellence. We are proud to lead this change and will continue to create more opportunities for women, especially in our mining ecosystem. This initiative marks a significant addition to the 100 glorious years of mining at Noamundi.”

Tata Steel’s journey towards gender diversity in mining began in 2019 with the launch of its flagship initiative, "Women@Mines", becoming the first company in India to deploy women across all shifts following the relaxation of the Mines Act, 1952. Building on this success, Tata Steel introduced the "Tejaswini" initiative, aimed at recruiting and training women from local communities to operate Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) and participate in mining operations.

This groundbreaking initiative not only empowers women to take on leadership roles in challenging operational environments but also signals a transformative shift in the Indian mining sector. Tata Steel’s bold move is expected to pave the way for other organizations to follow suit, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the years to come.