Published: 23 April 2021 Let us be very clear - seeking to see more women in leadership roles is not about ‘political correctness’, affirms Zubin Palia, Chief Group HR & IR, Tata Steel. In October 2020, global steel major Tata Steel organised the fourth edition of its pioneering scholarship programme, ‘Women Of Mettle’. In view of the pandemic, the competition was re-designed to leverage the virtual platforms, including the first-ever virtual finale held today. It received record registrations from 600+ second-year female engineering students from over 50 premier engineering institutes across India, including the IITs, NITs and the likes. Launched in 2017, the programme is aimed at encouraging gender diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. The applicants go through a rigorous selection process that involves technical challenges at various stages. The shortlisted students get to work on a live technical challenge and present the solution live to the select jury. The top 10 candidates not only get the opportunity to become the recipient of a scholarship but also receive an opportunity to make a career at Tata Steel, by presenting their final solutions at the grand finale.