Balconagar, 11th December 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a series of initiatives, around menstrual health hygiene for the specially-abled, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
The event reached out to more than 100 specially-abled adolescents, while employee volunteers from BALCO actively conducted activities to promote awareness and educate adolescents with crucial health and hygiene practices at Divya Jyoti School, a school for the differently-abled in Korba, Chhattisgarh.
The highlight of the celebration was the ‘Stitch My Own Pad’ campaign where adolescents were taught the skill of stitching reusable cloth pads, promoting a sustainable solution to menstrual health and hygiene management. The session also facilitated discussions around challenges, misconceptions, and societal taboos related to menstruation, aiming to create a supportive environment that empowers adolescents to build confidence and embrace healthy practices.
Additionally, to educate the specially-abled adolescents, BALCO has also introduced exclusive braille-based learning modules to empower and facilitate education around menstruation. Moreover, the event also encapsuled cultural performances followed by employees and students, coming together by sharing stories and inspiring everyone.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director, BALCO, while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, said, “At BALCO, we are committed to build a culture of inclusivity both at the workplace as well in the community around us. We believe in empowering individuals by celebrating their unique abilities and creating equal opportunities that drive meaningful change. Through such initiatives, we hope to break barriers and foster a more equitable future for all.”
Reflecting on his experience as a volunteer, Mr. Dipam Nath, Assistant Manager at BALCO, said, “Volunteering at BALCO has always been a profoundly inspiring journey, constantly reminding me of the transformative power of contributing to meaningful causes. My visit to Divya Jyoti School was particularly impactful, offering a window into a world where physical challenges are not limitations but catalysts for extraordinary resilience and strength. Witnessing the students’ synchronized dance performance—executed with flawless precision despite their inability to hear the music—was a testament to their remarkable determination, talent, and spirit. It was a humbling experience that will stay with me forever.”
BALCO has been consistent in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across various backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities. From its inclusive hiring practices to regularly organized sensitization workshops and training programs, BALCO nurtures a culture of understanding and mutual respect.
With the successful enrolment of 3 specially-abled individuals along with 18 transgenders in its workforce, BALCO continues to lead the way in creating a workplace and community that celebrates abilities, breaks barriers, and builds a future rooted in equality and mutual respect.
