IWD 2024: IREDA takes lead in gender diversity with 26% female workforce

New Delhi: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) celebrated International Women's Day at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Friday, recognising the invaluable contributions of women in the renewable energy sector and inspiring them to break barriers and achieve their full potential.

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The event was graced by Squadron Leader Dr Toolika Rani as the Chief Guest, along with Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, and Dr Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Director (Finance), IREDA. Das expressed his gratitude towards the female employees for their significant contributions to the organisation's holistic growth, especially spectacular growth in recent years. He emphasized the critical role of women in the workforce, highlighting the benefits of gender diversity in enhancing governance, corporate values, and overall performance.

Das highlighted that while the average of women employees in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) stands at 8.88 percent according to the Public Enterprise Survey report for 2022-23, IREDA leads with an impressive 26.30 percent representation of women employees. Remarkably, among the 46 female employees at IREDA, 45 hold managerial and executive positions, showcasing the organisation's dedication to empowering women in leadership roles. He underscored the importance of increased female participation for the rapid advancement of the renewable energy sector.

"At IREDA, we are not only promoters of gender equality; we are facilitators of it," stated CMD, IREDA. He continued, "We prioritize the holistic well-being of our female employees and have implemented various initiatives to support them, including access to female doctors for healthcare needs and fitness facilities. Also, we ensure a safe work environment with dedicated female security personnel."

Squadron Leader Dr Toolika Rani shared her motivational journey with IREDA employees, describing her groundbreaking achievements such as being the first woman from Uttar Pradesh to summit Mount Everest in 2012 and the first Indian woman to climb Asia’s highest volcano, Mount Damavand. She encouraged participants to persist through challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and striving for success despite failures. She commended IREDA for its commitment to gender diversity, noting its leadership among CPSEs with over 26% female workforce.

In his address, Dr Mohanty also expressed his gratitude towards female employees for their contribution to the organization's growth.

Many female officers shared their personal journeys with the audience. They highlighted opportunities they have received to assume leadership roles without encountering any form of gender discrimination in IREDA. This marked the second consecutive year of International Women's Day celebrations by all employees at IREDA.

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