Continental India Launches ‘Women for Manufacturing’ CSR Initiative

Press release |

• • “Women for Manufacturing” is a skilling program that will help broaden the pool of women workforce for the manufacturing sectors    
  • Continental’s initiative is conceptualized based on its continued commitment to creating an equal opportunities ecosystem  

• The program is launched as a part of the 150th-anniversary special initiative 

Bengaluru, India, June 10, 2021. Technology company Continental launched “Women for Manufacturing,” an initiative to empower and support women to take up a career in manufacturing through various skill development programs. 

Manufacturing has been historically stereotyped as unsuitable for women, and over the years resulted in an under-representation of women in this field. Lack of awareness, the sheer breadth of manufacturing across different industries, limited access to skill development programs, have all contributed to these misconceptions and underrepresentation. Continental’s program aims to nurture and inspire girls and women to better understand this industry, have access to resources and learning, to consider manufacturing as a career option. 

At the inauguration of the program organized virtually, Rainer Hetzer, Head of Human Relations Autonomous Mobility and Safety, and HR sponsor for Continental India, said, “At Continental, we are persistently working to ensure gender parity at the workplace, especially in areas underrepresented by women talent. Focused measures and topics including learning initiatives, sensitizing programs, mentoring, leadership development programs, and equal pay are in place for women across different levels. Now is the time to apply the same goal for the larger society. Through the Women for Manufacturing program, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem of skilled women force, creating more opportunities within the industry.” 

Prashanth Doreswamy, Head of Continental India, and Managing Director Continental Automotive India said, “Manufacturing continues to be a high growth sector in India, and we need to build the right resource pool to match such an ambitious intent. Women for Manufacturing program is Continental’s commitment to prepare and mobilize untapped women talent, towards achieving a more gender-balanced manufacturing society. This year Continental will be completing 150 years since it was first established in 1871. As a part of the anniversary initiative, we have launched this special program extending our support and commitment towards social welfare.” 

Centum Foundation, Continental’s NGO partner for this program, will be the implementation partner for this multi-year program that will eventually build a sustainable model of skill development, empowerment, guidance, and placement support that would help more women find a place in manufacturing, eventually benefitting the sector and contributing to the greater good of the society.