On 12 March, 2025, Godrej Chemicals acknowledged International Women’s Day with an event entitled “Advancing Women in Chemicals” organised through our annual CNOW (Chemicals Network of Women) Dialogues, powered by SheMaker. This collaborative initiative, presented by Godrej Chemicals and People Konnect, offered an exclusive platform for women in chemicals to connect, share insights, and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

The day began with a knowledge sharing session led by Poonam Burman, CHRO, Godrej Chemicals, followed by Vishal Sharma, ED & CEO, Godrej Chemicals sharing his perspective on DEI and the 2028 Roadmap for Godrej Chemicals

Dr. Achala Danait, Dean, Strategy & Industry Partnerships and Director, Somaiya Institute for Research & Consultancy (SIRAC) in Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai delivered the Keynote on Women’s Role in Shaping the Future of Chemicals, encouraging women to participate in transforming the industry. She also shared her inspirational journey across industry and academia.

We also had a thought-provoking panel discussion on Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Line Functions in Manufacturing. Anjali Gulati, Founder, People Konnect moderated the panel discussion. The panel members were: Brinda Alankar, Lead - Sustainability, Tata Chemicals; Manjari Sharma, Head - Packaging, Henkel; Swetha Rane, Head - Sourcing, Godrej Chemicals; Parmesh Shahani, Head - Godrej Dei Lab, Godrej Group; and Poonam Burman, CHRO, Godrej Chemicals. Collectively, this panel brought together varied perspectives that inspired action. They spoke about breaking stereotypes, leading with empathy, and the potential of mentorship, and further declared the pressing need to diversify workspaces.

R. Sanjiva Kumar, Head- Supply Chain, Godrej Chemicals, delivered the closing message and shared his reflections on what it might mean for the chemicals sector to increasing representation of women in the industry.

Women in Chem: Catalysts of Change video

We also screened a special film “Women in Chem | Catalysts of Change” that discusses how Godrej Chemicals is making STEM related career options conducive and affirming for women, particularly for those from a chemistry and chemical enginering background. There has been a 2X increase in Women Representation in 2 years at Godrej Chemicals, currently positioned at 20% which outperforms the industry average of the Chemicals sector. While the metrics and numbers tell one part of the story, there is so much more to it when it comes to the cultural transformation that’s underway on several fronts. And that’s what we capture in our film, through the stories of our women colleagues who are the catalysts of this change. 

In FY 24-25, Godrej Chemicals achieved a maiden record-breaking century by onboarding 100+ women. We also have a strong team of women showrunners on the shopfloor with 60+ women engaged in Line Functions.

This event for us is not the end of the story, rather the beginning of a journey towards reimagining possibilities and breaking barriers in the Chemicals industry.

Text and Image by GIL Chemicals team.