Ramadevi: A Trailblazing Icon in the Steel Industry

Ramadevi, a woman of extraordinary determination and resilience, has emerged as a gender diversity icon in the steel industry. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has shattered stereotypes and achieved remarkable milestones throughout her career. Born in Srikakulam and raised in Visakhapatnam, Ramadevi embarked on her professional journey in 1989 as a management trainee at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL). Recently, she was honored with the Gender Diversity Icon Award by the Indian Steel Association, a testament to her outstanding achievements. She was also bestowed with the prestigious Wings of Steel Award. Ramadevi completed her undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at Andhra University. During her master's program, she took an RINL entrance test and successfully joined the company after completing two semesters. Over the course of her 34-year journey, she has faced various challenges, including the devastating Hudhud cyclone in 2014 and the recent Covid-19 pandemic. In a field where women are underrepresented, Ramadevi's determination and work ethic have propelled her personal and professional growth. Despite being one of the few women in her college batch pursuing a career in the steel industry, she persevered while others chose alternative paths. She advises aspiring professionals to embrace challenges, maintain integrity, and remain focused to overcome gender-related obstacles. Ramadevi's contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, she became the first woman to head the Production Planning and Monitoring Department in the Operations Directorate. She has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for Best Employee in 2008 and the Woman of Excellence in Public Sector Award in 2016.