In a nation where being a man these days feels rather shameful, Volkswagen India is taking initiatives to promote gender diversity and inclusivity across all of their organizational departments. Targeting to increase the current percentage of women employees from 12% to 30% by the year 2025, VW has launched an elaborate Women Empowerment initiative which will roll out best practices that ultimately help them nurture and grow female talent within the company.
Starting with a kick-off meet that took place on 11th of March 2015, more than 120 female employees working at their Pune Plant in Chakan and Regional Competence Centre (RCC) in Hinjewadi were informed about the key action plan of this additional and skill development-oriented initiative especially designed for women.
To further empower the women employees at Volkswagen India’s Pune Plant and at RCC in Hinjewadi, the mentoring initiative will roll out three interlocking key frameworks – ‘Sakhi Group’, ‘Kompass Programme’ and ‘Mentor Programme’ – focused mainly on developing already existing potentials. Through ‘Sakhi Group’, all women will be able to exchange ideas about women’s impact on the global economy best practices, Volkswagen business, networking, discussions, build skills to help women define their personal success and focus on career advancement.
In the ‘Kompass Programme’ a selected batch of women, who are already settled in their respective working area as well as have proven their skills in the daily job, will go through a nine-month training. ‘Kompass’ also includes a six month cross functional project to help, support and accelerate the development of the high-potential female professionals. The ‘Mentor Programme’ in the developing framework is aimed at mentoring and training already existing high potential women leaders through a nine month project-driven programme with formal and informal sharing of strategies and best practices.
Commenting on the structure and content of the initiative, Mr. Peter Raussendorf said, “Given the significant role women play in society and businesses the world over, we believe there is great merit in offering a platform that can further nurture and develop this set of talent. Through our programme, we aim to drive our existing female talent base forward and also create opportunities for new recruits to develop and grow with the rest of the company in a conducive and inclusive environment.”