Tata Steel Employees Recognized Among Global Inspirational Women in Mining

Anjna Tiwari and Bandi Gayatri Honored in WIM UK’s 2024 Top 100 List

Key Points:

• Anjna Tiwari and Bandi Gayatri featured in WIM UK’s “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” 2024.

• Both women achieved historic milestones in security and mining operations at Tata Steel.

• WIM100 celebrates women advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in mining.

JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel employees Anjna Tiwari and Bandi Gayatri have been named in Women in Mining UK’s (WIM UK) 2024 list of “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.” This biennial recognition highlights outstanding contributions by women driving progress in the mining industry.

Recognizing Trailblazers

Anjna Tiwari, Senior Area Manager in Tata Steel’s Security Department, has a distinguished career spanning over 28 years. Starting with the CISF and later becoming the first female member of the Special Protection Group (SPG), she now leads security operations for ferro alloys plants and chrome mines in Odisha. Her efforts in community welfare and industrial relations have garnered widespread respect.

Bandi Gayatri, a Manager in the Mining Division, broke barriers as the first female underground mining engineer in the Jharia coalfields’ 117-year history. A recipient of the Roberton Medal and an IIT BHU graduate, she has led critical mining projects and spearheads the Women of MEAI initiative to promote inclusivity and knowledge-sharing in the mining sector.

Tata Steel’s Commitment to Diversity

Atrayee Sanyal, Vice President of Human Resource Management at Tata Steel, expressed pride in the recognition. "This honor showcases the hard work and leadership of Anjna and Gayatri, as well as Tata Steel’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the mining sector," she stated.

Tata Steel has been at the forefront of breaking gender barriers in mining. It was the first company in India to deploy women in all shifts in mines and has implemented initiatives like Women@Mines and Women of Mettle to empower women in technical roles.

A Global Achievement

This year’s WIM100 included nominees from 41 countries, the most diverse cohort since the initiative’s inception in 2013. Dr. Stacy Hope, Managing Director of WIM UK, emphasized the significance of these achievements. "These women exemplify resilience and innovation in a traditionally male-dominated industry, offering inspiration to peers and future generations."

In India, organizations like Women in Mining India (WIMI) continue to promote the inclusion and advancement of women in the mining value chain. Ruchika Jha, President of WIMI, celebrated the recognition of three Indian women in the WIM100 list, advocating for sustained efforts to create a more inclusive and innovative mining sector.

Breaking Stereotypes in Mining

The metals and mining sector has historically seen low female workforce participation due to structural barriers. Tata Steel’s pioneering initiatives, such as technical training for women workers and leadership programs like Ignite and Engage, are setting new benchmarks for diversity and inclusion in the industry.