Imagine the precision and innovation embedded in the core of Godrej Industries Ltd. (Chemicals)’s Ambernath factory, from the ambient hum of machinery to the meticulous monitoring of chemical processes.

The factory operates as a symphony of precision, where raw materials undergo meticulous transformations through cutting-edge chemical processes. Large-scale reactors blend, synthesize, and refine chemical compounds, upholding the highest quality and purity standards.

Over 17 months, GIL Chemicals in Ambernath, Maharashtra, has undergone a remarkable transformation in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The commitment to fostering diversity is evident in the significant increase in the number of women employees, rising from a mere 4 to an impressive 40 between April 2022 and October 2023.

Taking centre stage are women who have become integral to the operations at GIL (Chemicals) Ambernath. These women, with backgrounds in chemical engineering, play key roles in production and on shop floors. Additionally, women are making contributions in other departments such as security, logistics, catering, and HR.

Neha Tawde's story exemplifies the profound impact of these opportunities. A former teacher, Neha eagerly embraced the chance to apply her theoretical knowledge of chemical engineering in a practical setting at Godrej.

"Being the first female SO (senior officer), right from the GM (general manager) to every employee at the bottom cared for me... My confidence was enhanced by my team," she said. Her decision to leave her previous job without hesitation reflects the transformative opportunities GIL Chemicals provided her with.

Her words offer us a glimpse into the dedication, hopes, and hard work of women like Neha, whose contributions to the factory's floors and workforce have been invaluable.

Achieving a gender-equal workforce is no easy feat, and the work culture at the Ambernath factory will keep evolving to foster a more supportive ecosystem for women. "The ultimate goal is to have 50% diversity representation be it women, people with disabilities or LGBTQIA+ people," said Apeksha Jain, former Chief Human Resource Officer at GIL Chemicals. The journey from 40 to 400 has just begun...

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image by Rolie Breja.