OMC Launches ‘LeaDHer 2025’ to Empower Women Leaders
Programme focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion to strengthen organisational leadership
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) launched ‘LeaDHer 2025’, a leadership development programme designed to empower women professionals within the organisation. The programme, rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles, was inaugurated at OMC’s Head Office in Bhubaneswar and marked a new chapter in the company’s commitment to inclusivity.
A total of 137 women employees from various OMC offices and mining units participated in the event, which aims to sharpen leadership skills, foster inclusivity, and prepare women employees to shoulder higher responsibilities in the future.
The inaugural session was attended by senior officials including Director (HR) Alok Kumar Pal, Executive Director (P\&A) Talat Afreen (SAG), and General Manager (Personnel) Malay Ranjan Kar. All three lauded the initiative and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training. Pal described the programme as a crucial investment in human capital, stressing that leadership today is not just about authority but also about empathy, communication, and collaboration. Afreen and Kar echoed similar views, underlining that initiatives like LeaDHer 2025 create a culture where women feel empowered to contribute beyond conventional roles.
LeaDHer was first launched in 2024 as part of OMC’s Women Wellness & DEI framework, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing. The 2025 edition marks a significant shift, expanding into structured leadership learning and development. Officials highlighted that this evolution reflects OMC’s vision of nurturing a future-ready workforce where women are equipped not only to participate but also to lead decisively in strategic roles.
The one-day intensive programme included expert-led workshops, peer learning sessions, and interactive discussions. Topics ranged from executive presence and influence without authority to strategic communication, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Special attention was given to decision-making in complex environments and team empowerment—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s fast-changing business ecosystem. Participants also engaged in case studies and role-playing exercises designed to simulate real-world leadership challenges. These activities encouraged employees to think critically, develop confidence, and collaborate effectively.
OMC has made it clear that LeaDHer 2025 will not be confined to its headquarters. Similar programmes are planned across various mining regions, ensuring that the initiative reaches women employees at all operational levels. By scaling up LeaDHer into a comprehensive leadership platform, OMC is attempting to make inclusivity a cornerstone of its corporate culture. Officials added that this would help create an equal-opportunity environment where talent, not gender, drives growth.
The launch of LeaDHer 2025 aligns with broader trends in the mining sector, where women professionals have historically faced barriers in leadership roles. By addressing these gaps, OMC hopes to set a precedent for other state-owned enterprises and private sector players. Experts note that programmes like LeaDHer can significantly improve organisational performance. Diverse leadership teams often bring in wider perspectives, foster innovation, and build stronger connections with stakeholders.
In his concluding remarks, Director (HR) Pal said that the success of OMC depends not only on mineral production but also on the strength of its human resources. “We want our women employees to see themselves as leaders and changemakers,” he said. The participants expressed enthusiasm about applying the new skills to their roles, with many noting that such initiatives provide much-needed recognition and motivation.
By institutionalising leadership development under the DEI framework, OMC has reaffirmed its commitment to building a progressive, inclusive, and resilient workplace. LeaDHer 2025 is expected to become a recurring platform, shaping the next generation of women leaders in Odisha’s mining sector.
