Science labs are places where roles in STEM have traditionally been associated with men and seen as fundamentally male jobs. At our research and development (R&D) centres, we’re making efforts to change that perception – and to change the realities of it. Our efforts at increasing gender diversity have led to a representation of 38% women employees at the ASTEC Lifesciences R&D Centre in Rabale, Maharashtra.

The background: Over time, ASTEC, which operates under the umbrella of GAVL, has implemented measures such as appointing a diversity committee, organizing awareness sessions and skill development workshops under WeforShe, and leveraging continuous feedback mechanisms to ensure engagement and inclusion of diverse cohorts. The result: a representation figure that we’re proud of, and that motivates us to do better and support our women colleagues more strongly.

Dr Kamlesh Fondekar, the Head of the R&D Center, emphasizes diversity as both a moral imperative and a business strategy. Diverse teams, he notes, excel in innovation and problem-solving. To enhance diversity, he advocates for strategies like recruitment, inclusivity policies, and mentorship, seeing it as crucial for business success.

Under Priyanka Adate, manager, Synthesis, ASTEC, the R&D team witnessed a significant rise in diversity from 16% to 30% through various initiatives. Priyanka believes that the WeForShe programme was crucial in enriching the work environment with diverse perspectives, ensuring everyone feels heard and empowered to give their best contributions across all sectors.

We also had a chance to talk to Siddhi Madkaikar, an officer at Rabale. “I joined Astec Lifesciences, Godrej Agrovet Ltd in 2022 through a campus placement program, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me,” she said. “One of the aspects I cherish the most is the diversity among my colleagues. We come from various parts of the country, each bringing unique talents and perspectives to the table. Despite being away from home, I never felt homesick because of the supportive atmosphere created by my teammates.”

“I must commend the company's commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. The WeForShe initiative, in particular, has left a significant impact on me. It celebrates and embraces the power of womanhood,” she added.

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image provided by the GAVL team.