BALCO Champions Inclusivity on International Day of People with Disabilities
TFP Bureau, Korba; Dec 7, 2023: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading aluminum producer in India and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, marked the International Day of People with Disabilities with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowering differently-abled children. The company organized diverse sessions, including training on menstrual health management and cloth stitching, providing a platform for employee volunteers to share inspiring stories and engage in hand paintings with the children.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by adolescents with disabilities, BALCO introduced a specially designed learning module on menstrual health management under its flagship project Nayi Kiran. This module, tailored for differently-abled children, includes teaching materials and methods to educate them on menstrual health management, addressing the dual stigma surrounding menstruation and disabilities.
Additionally, BALCO conducted the ‘Stitch My Own Pad’ program, offering training to differently-abled adolescent girls to create reusable cloth pads, addressing challenges related to period poverty. This initiative provides a sustainable and hygienic solution for their menstrual needs.
The event, attended by over 120 differently-abled children from Divya Jyoti School in Korba, Chhattisgarh, aimed to encourage those facing sensory challenges to believe in their abilities. Employee volunteers engaged in activities such as inspirational storytelling and hand painting to instill hope and motivation.
Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “BALCO believes in the power of inclusivity and its positive impact on the holistic growth and development of society. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are proud to contribute to building an inclusive society.”
Akash Kaushik, a differently-abled BALCO employee who volunteered, shared, “Volunteering for this initiative has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Together with BALCO, we painted a narrative of inclusion, breaking stereotypes and proving that each of us, with our distinct abilities, contributes to a more diverse and resilient world.”
BALCO’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond events, with sensitization workshops, training, and an inclusive hiring approach, resulting in the employment of 5 differently-abled and 18 transgender individuals to date. The company’s initiatives aim to break down barriers and create a more equitable future for all.