Continental’s “Women for Manufacturing,” initiative is aimed at empowering and supporting women to take up a career in manufacturing through various skill development programs. Deemed to be historically stereotyped as unsuitable for women, and said to have over the years resulted in an under-representation of women in this field, as per the Continental study, a lack of awareness, the sheer breadth of manufacturing across different industries, limited access to skill development programs are among factors that need to change. With the CSR initiative, Continental aims to nurture and inspire girls and women to better understand the industry through access to resources and learning. It aims to convince them to consider manufacturing as a strong career option. Stated Rainer Hetzer, Head of Human Relations Autonomous Mobility and Safety, and HR sponsor for Continental India, “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, sensitising programs, mentorship, leadership development programs, and equal pay scales are in place for women across different levels.” “Now is the time to apply the same goal for the larger society.,” he expressed. “Through the women for manufacturing program, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem of a skilled women workforce, creating more opportunities within the industry,” he mentioned. 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 mobilise untapped women talent, towards achieving a more gender-balanced manufacturing society.” Overlapping with Continental’s 150 year celebrations since the company was first established in 1871, the company has zeroed in on the Centum Foundation, Continental’s NGO partner to implement the multi-year program.
