On International Labour Day, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) launched an inspiring digital film titled ‘Hands That Speak,’ highlighting the power of inclusivity within the workforce. The film, which focuses on employees with disabilities at GCPL’s Chengalpattu manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, showcases their incredible contributions through Indian Sign Language (ISL). The initiative emphasizes the company’s commitment to diversity, making a powerful statement about breaking barriers and fostering a truly inclusive environment.
The film features employees with hearing and speech disabilities, narrating their stories without words but through the language of their hands. Against the backdrop of the factory floor, their actions—building, packing, and creating—become expressions of strength, precision, and pride. With subtitles accompanying the ISL narration, the film redefines communication, demonstrating that silence is not a barrier but a means of profound connection and contribution.
As part of its ongoing efforts to champion equity in employment, GCPL’s Chengalpattu plant boasts a workforce that is 50% women and 5% people with disabilities (PWD) and LGBTQIA+ individuals. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected not only in the company’s practices but also in its broader call for systemic change within industries. In Guwahati, where inclusivity in workplaces is still a growing concern, initiatives like GCPL’s ‘Hands That Speak’ serve as a beacon of change. The city’s industrial sector can take inspiration from such efforts, encouraging companies to explore inclusive hiring practices, particularly for persons with disabilities. Creating a workforce that reflects diversity will not only benefit individuals but also bring a broader range of skills and perspectives, fostering innovation in the region.