Avtar and Seramount’s Best of the Best 2022 conference took place recently with a series of discussions. One of the breakout rooms had a TedTalk-style session. Shanti Maria, Director- Diversity & Inclusion, Target in India, was invited as one of the speakers.
Shanti began the presentation with the concept called “All in commitment”. All in commitment is Target India’s principle embedded in their DEI business imperative. Target India launched two successful programs, built ERGs, and groups such as the Women’s Business Council, PRIDE, and the ability network. The DEI network at Target India forms the collective strength of these ERGs. Women account for 45% of Target’s workforce– 12% above their industry standards.
The numbers also account for a 34% increase in Target’s women leaders as compared to the numbers in 2019. In 2021, Target India ensured that 60% of all its campus hires were women. To have women’s representation at their leadership levels, Target India launched an award-winning program called IGNITE. IGNITE is a program for their mid-managers to go into senior management level. IGNITE targets high-potential women in the room and sets up networking opportunities for them. As a result of this program, more than 50% of women moved into leadership roles. The program also created a pipeline of women employees to get promoted to leadership roles.
Udaan, another successful program by Target India, focuses on the social inclusion of People with Disabilities. Under this, People with Disabilities are trained in employability skills. Target India has had three cohorts for the program to date. Target India also pushes them through hiring drives and supports them for a year, after the program is completed.
