In today’s corporate landscape, gender equality stands as a defining pillar for progressive organisations. For the manufacturing sector in particular, where gender balance has historically lagged behind other industries, creating equitable and inclusive workplaces remains both a challenge and an opportunity. Women’s Equality Day serves as an annual reminder of the journey towards gender parity and inspires us at AM International to reaffirm our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as core business values.
A Workplace for Everyone: AM International’s Commitment to DEI
At AM International, we focus on fostering a welcoming and safe environment for all, with particular emphasis on promoting women’s inclusion in manufacturing.
Our DEI goals have become integral to our corporate vision, shaping initiatives designed to ensure that both our offices and manufacturing units are secure, supportive, and encouraging spaces for female employees.
Research underscores the impact of diversity on organisational success, and a gender-balanced workforce has been shown to foster better decision-making, innovation, and productivity. A recent study by McKinsey & Company reveals that organisations in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the lowest quartile. When women participate meaningfully at all levels, they bring unique perspectives that spur creativity and drive transformation. AM International embraces this data-driven insight and strives to cultivate a meritocratic culture that nurtures talent irrespective of gender.
Championing Women in Manufacturing
In the manufacturing industry, gender representation has often lagged, with women comprising only around 30% of the workforce globally and less than 10% in production roles. Despite these statistics, AM International has embraced a pioneering approach to gender parity in this traditionally male-dominated field. Our commitment to DEI is best exemplified by the recent commissioning of Triumph, the brand of Greenstar Fertilizers’ water-soluble solution plant in Tuticorin, managed entirely by an all-women team.
As Devaki Ashwin Muthiah, Director of AM International, says, “Watching these women deftly manage this plant fills me with immense pride as a woman in a manufacturing conglomerate.”
The success of the Triumph brand stands as a testament to the fact that women in manufacturing can and do excel, when provided with the right support, training, and encouragement. AM International is committed to replicating this model across our other verticals, including companies such as SPIC, Manali Petrochemicals, Tamilnadu Petroproducts, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Greenstar Fertilizers, creating a consistent environment of equal opportunity.
Empowering Women Across Roles and Functions
Beyond specific initiatives, AM International has embraced a holistic approach to women’s empowerment by encouraging more women to take on roles across a wide range of functions. Whether it’s overseeing high-stakes operations in our plants or leading strategic projects, female employees are stepping into positions of influence throughout the organisation.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap at the current pace. While there is still much progress to be made, at AM International, we are actively accelerating this timeline within our sphere of influence. Through DEI-focused policies and practices, we are building an environment where women can advance their careers confidently, empowered to take on responsibilities traditionally seen as male-dominated.
A Supportive Ecosystem for Career Growth
To foster true inclusivity, we recognise the importance of supporting women through the various milestones in their lives. We are proud to create a nurturing ecosystem that offers female employees the flexibility and support they need, especially during key phases like marriage, motherhood, and parenting. At AM International, we strive to accommodate personal and professional needs with policies that support parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive return-to-work programme, allowing our workforce to balance career and personal life effectively.
As Ms Muthiah shares, “I’m excited to create a supportive ecosystem across our operative companies that nurtures women throughout their careers, even as they navigate personal milestones of marriage, motherhood, and parenting.”
Our approach is rooted in understanding that gender inclusivity doesn’t only make moral sense; it also enhances our organisational health and sustainability. Studies from Harvard Business Review suggest that inclusive organisations enjoy a 17% increase in team performance and a 20% rise in innovation, both of which are critical to staying competitive and agile in today’s business environment.
Celebrating Progress and Continuing the Journey
Women’s Equality Day is more than a commemoration for us at AM International; it is a call to action. As we celebrate the achievements of our female workforce, we also acknowledge that this journey toward true gender parity is ongoing. By setting benchmarks in gender inclusivity in manufacturing, we hope to inspire other companies in the sector to follow suit.
As a conglomerate committed to progress and innovation, we recognise the business advantages and social impact of gender equality. Through initiatives that support women in our workforce and leadership, we aim to set a precedent in the manufacturing industry, showing that an inclusive and equitable environment is not only possible but also beneficial to long-term success.
A Vision of Equity
As we look to the future, AM International remains steadfast in its vision to create a workplace where every employee, regardless of gender, is empowered to realise their potential. With every small step towards gender equality, we move closer to a future where workplaces across industries embrace true inclusivity.
This Women’s Equality Day, let us not only celebrate the progress we have made but also rededicate ourselves to the road ahead – a path where equality is not just an ideal but a reality for everyone.
