Toyota Kirloskar Motor Commits to Significant Increase in Women Workforce
Bangalore: In alignment with its dedication to cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced focused efforts to enhance gender diversity and Inclusion in its operations. Contributing to the larger goal of “Skill India Mission”, the company is also implementing a series of innovative initiatives aimed at not only enhancing the skillset of women but also empowering their holistic development.
While celebrating International Women’s Day, TKM announced the induction of 124 female team members and 55 female leaders into its manufacturing operations. These skilled individuals will play an integral role in driving the company’s operations while exemplifying its commitment towards fostering a culture marked by diversity, equality, and inclusion.
Furthermore, TKM also organized skill contest for female members thus marking a significant new milestone. The contest encompassed a diverse array of skill categories, enabling participants to showcase their expertise across various manufacturing processes. A panel of industry experts from Toyota India evaluated participants based on criteria such as problem solving, creativity, and technical skill.
Commenting on this development, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President and Director for Finance and Administration said, “At TKM we are committed to contributing positively towards strengthening the Indian auto industry with a highly skilled, diverse, and globally competitive workforce. We believe that the vision of gender inclusivity extends beyond the organization’s borders, encompassing the entire value chain and society at large. We are thrilled to welcome our new female team members and leaders into the manufacturing line. This resonates with our core belief that diversity and inclusion are not seen just as a corporate responsibility but reflects TKM’s strong commitment towards developing rural talent into world-class competitive technicians. We believe that this approach will not only offer them enhanced opportunities in both domestic and international markets but also contribute to producing mass happiness in the society.”
TKM has also established a Business Reform Team on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to spearhead these efforts. Following extensive benchmarking and leadership engagement, TKM has achieved significant progress thanks to the progressive and supportive measures by the State Government in facilitating the inclusion of women to work in shifts. Furthermore, these efforts are also well complemented by a comprehensive ecosystem assessment through an unconscious bias survey, leading to targeted sensitization programs.
As a strong step in the direction of supporting “Skill India Mission,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently announced the expansion of its Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. As a part of this expansion, the company announced doubling its intake from 600 to 1200 students which included upto 600 female students, providing opportunities for students from economically challenging backgrounds and rural areas in Karnataka, with a steadfast focus on enhancing gender diversity as a pivotal component of its expansion.
Through TTTI, TKM will train female students in knowledge (16%), skill (34%) and body and mind (50%) from economically challenging background and rural areas. The infrastructure has been upgraded with improved residential facilities for female students, new classrooms, and updated equipment to enrich skill training. These enhancements are designed to support a comprehensive learning and development experience for TTTI students.
Going forward, TKM remains committed to support the professional development and advancement of women workforce through targeted initiatives and programs, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers.
