Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has expanded its global ‘Iron Women’ initiative to India, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the construction industry and address the shortage of skilled operators and technicians. This program, which began in Ukraine, is now being implemented in India through a collaboration between Volvo CE India, dealer partner Pollutech Engineering, and customer Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited (KCCL).
The ‘Iron Women’ initiative offers training in three key areas: heavy equipment operation, worksite maintenance, and factory-floor technical skills. Participants receive hands-on training using Volvo CE machinery and simulators, along with jobsite placements, to gain practical experience and industry-recognized certifications. The program is designed to empower underprivileged women by providing them with the skills needed to pursue careers in the construction sector, traditionally dominated by men.
Laxmi Naik, one of the program’s participants, shared her transformative experience, stating, “I came here unsure of what I could do – now I leave with a skill, a voice, and the courage to dream bigger.” This sentiment reflects the program’s impact on individuals and its potential to inspire broader societal change.
Volvo CE’s ‘Iron Women’ initiative not only aims to equip women with valuable skills but also seeks to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce in India’s construction industry. By addressing both gender disparity and the skills gap, the program contributes to the development of a sustainable and equitable workforce.
