The CII EXCON event witnessed a significant milestone with the ‘Women Building India – Equal Opportunity Awards,’ a platform dedicated to recognizing and promoting gender inclusivity in the construction industry. The awards ceremony, brought together industry leaders, experts, and distinguished guests to address the imperative of empowering women in the sector.
The Chief Guest, R Dinesh, President, CII & Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd said, “Gender parity needs to be driven at leadership level. Companies not only need to become inclusive in hiring & recruitment but also impacting the ecosystem including taking steps in gender responsive procurement and creating inclusive supply and value chains”. Let’s redefine success beyond numbers and ensure that our collective growth is not just numerical but personal, with a keen focus on gender diversity, breaking barriers, and fostering an economy where women flourish as leaders, added Dinesh.
Kamal Bali, Chairman, CII Southern Region said, “The awards celebrate the strides made by women in real estate and construction, acknowledging their potential to address the skills gap and contribute to the industry’s advancement. CII remains committed to fostering inclusivity, as demonstrated by initiatives like the ‘Indian Women Network’ and the newly launched ‘CII Centre for Women Leadership,’ reflecting the industry’s collective dedication to creating a more diverse and equitable workforce.”
V G Sakthi Kumar, Managing Director of Schwing Stetter India Pvt Ltd, was recognized as the Committed Leader, embodying unwavering dedication to fostering gender diversity. Cummins India, earned acclaim for fostering an Inclusive Workplace, a testament to their commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. Additionally, JCB‘s innovative special initiative for the shopfloor garnered acknowledgment, showcasing their pioneering efforts in creating a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. These awards not only commend exemplary achievements but also serve as beacons inspiring further progress toward a more diverse and equitable construction industry.
Arvind K Garg, Chairman of the Taskforce on Women in Infrastructure, CII EXCON, and Vice-President & Head, Construction & Mining Machinery, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, and Rumjhum Chatterjee, Jury Member, CII EXCON 2023: Women Building India – Equal Opportunity Awards also shared their perspectives on the importance of gender inclusivity in the sector. The Women Building India – Equal Opportunity Awards marks a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the construction industry.