Hindustan Zinc Recognized for Pioneering LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Efforts at the 3rd National Transgender Awards 2024
3 min read
Udaipur, Rajasthan – April 5, 2024: Hindustan Zinc, a leading Vedanta group company in the Zinc-Lead-Silver business, has been conferred the prestigious 3rd National Transgender Award 2024, also known as ‘Ardhnarishwar’. This recognition celebrates Hindustan Zinc’s significant contributions towards fostering LGBTQIA+ inclusion and empowerment within the organization.
The ‘Ardhnarishwar’ award acknowledges the company’s commitment to building an inclusive ecosystem that promotes diversity, equity, and equal opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community in mainstream roles. The award committee commended Hindustan Zinc for its efforts in challenging societal norms, dismantling barriers, and promoting diversity within the workplace. This recognition is a testament to the company’s industry-leading initiatives like the #Zinclusion program, Gender Affirmation Policy, and comprehensive Parenthood Policy, all designed to support employees without bias or discrimination.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition for our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity at Hindustan Zinc,” said Mr. Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc. “We are committed to cultivating a work environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel. We actively foster a culture free from prejudice and gender constraints, ensuring equality for all our employees. Our diverse HR initiatives underscore our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.”
Hindustan Zinc has implemented several impactful initiatives to advance LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the organization. The #Zinclusion program spearheads these efforts, focusing on combating discrimination, inequality, and unconscious biases.
Through #Zinclusion, the company has conducted comprehensive sensitization drives across all its locations. These drives aim to cultivate a culture of understanding and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, Hindustan Zinc has successfully onboarded 16 talented individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community in various departments, including Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics. This significant step dismantles barriers and ensures a level playing field for diverse talent.
Hindustan Zinc’s Gender Affirmation Policy offers comprehensive support for surgeries and recovery leaves, receiving praise from prominent LGBTQIA+ figures. Additionally, the company recently announced a new Parenthood Policy designed to support all employees, fostering inclusivity for those legally commissioning or adopting a child. This policy offers benefits to caregivers, including women, single parents, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hindustan Zinc’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond the ‘Ardhnarishwar’ award. The company was recently recognized amongst the Top 3 companies in the ‘600+ Band Barrier’ category at the 14th CII National HR Awards.
About Hindustan Zinc Limited
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company in Zinc-Lead and Silver business is the world’s 2nd largest integrated Zinc producer and 5th largest Silver producer. The company governs about ~80% of the growing Zinc market in India with its headquarters at Udaipur along with Zinc-Lead mines and smelting complexes spread across the state of Rajasthan.
Hindustan Zinc is self-sufficient in power with captive thermal power plants and has ventured into green energy by setting-up wind power plants. The company ranked highest in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment in 2023 amongst Metals & Mining companies reflecting & reaffirming its constant commitment towards sustainable and responsible mining practices. Hindustan Zinc is a certified Water Positive company and is the only Indian company to be recognized at the S&P Global Platts Metal Award 2022 winning two prestigious awards for ‘Industry Leadership Award – Base, Precious & Specialty Metals’ Award and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ Award. Hindustan Zinc is also the only Indian company in Mining sector with validated & approved SBTi targets in alignment with 1.5 °C target.
The company takes pride in having some of the best-in-class people practices and employee-centric initiatives, which have certified Hindustan Zinc as – ‘Great Place to Work 2023’, ‘Company with Great Managers 2022’ by People Business and the ‘People-first HR Excellence Award’.
As a socially responsible corporate, Hindustan Zinc has been relentlessly working towards transforming lives of 1.7 million people in 237 villages in the states of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand with a spend base of INR 276.3 crores in FY23 for various community development initiatives and is amongst the Top 10 CSR Companies in India.
Learn more about Hindustan Zinc on – https://www.hzlindia.com/home/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more updates.
