Bangalore, 06 March 2025.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its commitment to fostering gender diversity and empowering women in the automotive industry. As part of its ongoing efforts to break gender barriers in the industry, TKM continues to prioritize policies and infrastructure that support women across manufacturing, technical, and leadership roles. With an aimto achieve 30% female representation by 2030, TKM has implemented a range of initiatives to support and uplift women within the organization.
This year’sWomen’s Day theme, #AccelerateActionaligns with TKM’s vision of creating a workplace that nurtures talent, embraces inclusivity, and dismantles barriers in the manufacturing sector. To acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women, TKM will be hosting a special event at its Bidadi facility, bringing together over 500 women employees. The event will feature leadership discussions, panel sessions, cultural programs, and recognition of outstanding contributions.
Commenting on the occasionG Shankara, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said,“At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that diversity is not just a metric but a catalyst for innovation and progress. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace goes beyond policies—it is about creating an environment where women can thrive, lead, and inspire future generations. Through our continuous focus on skilling and upskilling, we aim to empower more women to drive the future of mobility, strengthening our journey toward 30% representation by 2030. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of our women workforce, who are shaping not just Toyota’s success but the future of the automotive industry.”
Skilling is key to driving gender diversity in the automotive sector, and TKM is committed to empowering women through industry-focused training. The Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) plays a pivotal role in this mission, expanding its annual intake to 1,200 students, with 50% spots dedicated to women. A testament to this is TKM’s Women’s Marathon Team, which made an impressive debut at the Global Toyota Marathon Relay Race 2024, securing 10th place, reflecting the strength, resilience, and determination of women in sports and beyond. Complementing this effort, the Toyota Kaushalya “Learn and Earn” initiative equips trainees with globally recognized skills that enhance their employability and long-term career prospects.
At the heart of TKM’s commitment to inclusivity is a robust strategy built on three key pillars: Compliance, Infrastructure, and Ecosystem Development. Compliance focuses on ensuring workplace safety and security through stringent policies, including the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines, extensive CCTV surveillance, secure transportation, and a structured grievance redressal system. TKM has also played an instrumental role in influencing policy changes, such as enabling women to work night shifts—an important milestone that expands career opportunities for women in manufacturing.
Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of TKM’s gender diversity strategy, with facilities tailored to support women in roles spanning welding, assembly, and painting. The company has also invested in modern accommodations, including dormitories that can house 600 women employees, fostering an environment where they can thrive. The third pillar, Ecosystem Development, focuses on cultural transformation within the organization. Through initiatives like “Samvardhana,” TKM has conducted extensive sensitization programs, reaching over 1,500 employees and raising awareness about unconscious biases.
The company has also introduced rehiring policies that enable women to rejoin the workforce after career breaks for family responsibilities, while also promoting work-life balance through remote and flexible working options. A sabbatical policy further reinforces TKM’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace. Leadership sessions featuring successful women leaders have further inspired employees, while skills contests and thought leadership forums have strengthened the participation of women in critical roles.
As the company moves forward with its vision of producing mass happiness for all, its commitment to gender diversity remains a driving force in shaping a more equitable and progressive future.
