GIL Chemicals ended up setting a benchmark for the industry with its groundbreaking PAHAL initiative launched in March 2023. This initiative was not just about ticking boxes; it was about fundamentally reshaping the company culture to reflect its philosophy of diversity as a driver of innovation and growth.

The genesis of PAHAL was rooted in a profound understanding of the challenges hindering women's representation in the Indian Chemical Industry. With only 7% representation overall and even fewer in manufacturing shopfloor roles, societal misconceptions, safety concerns, and a lack of career opportunities served as formidable barriers.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, GIL Chemicals embarked on a transformative journey to challenge these norms and empower women across manufacturing roles.

PAHAL was structured around four strategic pillars: Infrastructure, Talent, Culture, and Communication. Each pillar was meticulously crafted to address specific challenges and create an environment conducive to diversity and inclusion.

From setting up gender-inclusive infrastructure to fostering an inclusive mindset within the organization, PAHAL aimed to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated roles.

Post the launch of PAHAL, GIL Chemicals wasted no time in implementing concrete measures to drive change. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) DEI goals were set to increase women representation across key departments at the factory in Ambernath, Maharashtra, complemented by PoSH awareness workshops and gender sensitization initiatives to address unconscious biases.

Infrastructure upgrades were undertaken to ensure a seamless work environment for women across all shifts.

"I have seen many changes [since I joined]—there are locker rooms, changing rooms and washrooms for women. We have female security officers leading to the women employees feeling secure about working here. It's good to know that there is adequate lighting during the night shifts," explained Akshada Jadhav, associate (production), at the factory in Ambernath.

One of the flagship initiatives under PAHAL was the Institute Partnership & Internship Program. This program marked a significant milestone as GIL Chemicals welcomed its first-ever batch of women interns in the Production department. These interns underwent intensive training for two months, with an impressive 50% conversion rate to full-time employees.

Moreover, continuous capability sessions and safety preparedness training were conducted to equip women employees with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their roles.

Looking ahead, GIL Chemicals remains committed to driving continuous improvement in its HR risk policies and practices. By focusing on building a continuous pipeline for women employees through partnerships with educational institutes, the company aims to address prevalent issues at the academic level and further enhance its DEI efforts.

Text by Prithvi Vatsalya. Image by Vishnu Harinath G.