The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has awarded the Gujarat-based Meghmani Finechem Ltd (MFL) the CEO Gender Award for pioneering gender equality in the chemicals industry. The company was selected from among 27 nominees from across the world.

In 2008, IFC invested in MFL, a subsidiary of Meghmani Organics Ltd (MOL). At that time, the company’s plants did not hire women. IFC worked with MOL to identify policies and measures to facilitate recruitment of women.

As a result, MOL adopted flexible hours to meet the local legal requirements, installed female restrooms and other women-only facilities, and established policies that fostered a friendly work environment for women employees.  By June 2011, 45 of the company’s 630 employees were female, IFC said here on Tuesday.

MFL won this year's award for its pioneering work in opening up India's chemical sector to women employees, said IFC Executive Vice-President and CEO, Mr Lars Thunell, who presented the award on March 8, International Women’s Day.

With the support of IFC’s environmental and social team, MFL installed restrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities for women in its plants. It has also enacted occupational health and safety policies that are sensitive to the needs of female employees. “The award recognises our efforts in implementing policies and measures that encourage the hiring of women,” said Mr Ashish Soparkar, Managing Director, MOL.

Traditionally, women are not hired in chemical plants due to the perception of these jobs involving hard physical labour and tough working conditions.

“MFL has opened up the chemical industry for women, setting a new benchmark in India,” said Mr Karin Finkelston, IFC Vice-President for Asia.

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