Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, celebrated International Women's Day by hosting an exclusive ‘Meet & Greet' sessions in Mumbai and Bengaluru. In these sessions, inspiring self-made women entrepreneurs interacted with players from the Mumbai Indians Women's Team—Harmanpreet Kaur, Sanjana Sajeevan, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Yastika Bhatia, Parunika Sisodia, and Amanjot Kaur.
The interactions between these trailblazers and MI players served as an inspiration for countless others. Much like the Mumbai Indians players, these entrepreneurs have broken barriers and navigated challenges to reach their goals. Ashok Leyland recognised their achievements, celebrating their journeys as a testament to the limitless potential of women across all fields.
Ashok Leyland has extended its association as the principal partner of the Mumbai Indians Women's Team for the third consecutive year, continuing its commitment to advancing women's cricket. Through this partnership, the company reinforces its dedication to supporting women in sports and beyond.
Ashok Leyland is also at the forefront of empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries, setting new benchmarks for inclusion. The company has introduced progressive policies such as flexible work arrangements for returning mothers, a sabbatical policy for family care, and the ‘Redream—Welcome Back' program, which enables women to resume their careers seamlessly.
In manufacturing, Ashok Leyland has made strides in gender diversity by establishing a ‘Women-Centric Cabin Trim Line' at its Pantnagar plant and an ‘All-Women Production Line' at its Hosur facility, where women are trained to oversee the entire engine production process. Additionally, through its partnership with the Delhi Government's Mission Parivartan, the company has trained 180 women, many of whom are now employed as bus drivers with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, "At Ashok Leyland, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone, with a firm belief that equality is not just an aspiration but a reality for all. Our continued support for the Mumbai Indians Women's Team reflects our commitment to fostering ambition and resilience, just as we do within our organisation. This Women's Day, we celebrate women who break barriers and inspire others to believe that no dream is too far."
"Women's empowerment is central to our vision for an inclusive and equitable future. Through our policies and initiatives, we are committed to challenging norms, redefining roles, and ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men. Our goal is to continue driving meaningful change, both within Ashok Leyland and in society at large," Mr. Raja Radhakrishnan, President & Head—HR, Ashok Leyland, added.
As part of its Women's Day celebrations, Ashok Leyland also released a social media film in collaboration with Mumbai Indians. The film highlights the shared determination of young girls and women cricketers. Through its flagship CSR initiative, ‘Road to School,' Ashok Leyland has positively impacted thousands of young girls by providing access to both academic and co-scholastic opportunities, ensuring they receive the support needed to chase their aspirations.
Through these initiatives, Ashok Leyland remains committed to fostering workforce diversity, nurturing an environment where women can thrive across industries, from sports to manufacturing and beyond.