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Dec 4, 2025
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Photo credit: India Workplace Equality Index
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Photo credit: India Workplace Equality Index
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Photo credit: India Workplace Equality Index
The India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) has recognized Jacobs in India as a silver employer for the second consecutive year. This achievement underscores our commitment to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive — a culture we call TogetherBeyond℠.
Established by the Keshav Suri Foundation, Pride Circle and Stonewall, IWEI is one of the leading benchmarks for LGBTQ+ inclusion in India. The index provides a structured and comprehensive framework that evaluates nine key pillars of inclusion — from policies and benefits to leadership engagement and community outreach — helping organizations create meaningful and measurable progress toward equality.
What silver employer recognition means
IWEI’s silver distinction recognizes organizations that have successfully embedded LGBTQ+ inclusion into their culture through robust policies, hiring practices, communication and sustained action. It honors companies that go beyond intent to demonstrate consistent, measurable progress. For Jacobs in India, this recognition reflects our commitment to putting people at the heart of our business, embracing a range of perspectives and collaborating to create a positive impact.
Celebrating the power of allyship
Adding to this milestone, Jacobs Senior Proposal Manager and Team Lead, ANZ Transportation (India & Philippines) Barath Sekar received the prestigious Ally Trailblazer of the Year award. This award honors individuals who go beyond advocacy to lead sensitization initiatives, share personal journeys of allyship and actively support employee resource groups in building more inclusive workplaces.
“Receiving the Ally Trailblazer of the Year Award is both humbling and motivating,” says Barath. “Allyship, to me, is about shaping a future where inclusion is second nature — where every voice is heard, and every individual feels they belong. My journey has been fueled by the belief that small actions can spark systemic change and I’m proud to stand alongside colleagues who share this vision of shaping workplaces that truly celebrate belonging.”
As the former chair of Jacobs’ network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies— Prism — in India, Barath helped advance our unparalleled focus on inclusion by building safe, supportive and empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ employees alongside a team of visionaries, thinkers and doers in India. Prism endeavors to create an inclusive environment for all, ensuring LGBTQ+ employees and allies feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Leading Prism’s evolution in India into a strong advocacy network driving awareness, policy change and cultural transformation, Barath’s initiatives have consistently fostered empathy, education and action across teams and regions, creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Barath was also a finalist for IWEI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion award last year.
Continuing our TogetherBeyond℠ journey
“Being recognized as a silver employer by the India Workplace Equality Index for the second consecutive year is a proud moment for us. It reflects our commitment to measurable action, not just intent, and to building a culture where our LGBTQ+ employees and allies feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Barath’s recognition as Ally Trailblazer of the Year is a testament to the power of leadership and advocacy in driving systemic change, as we continue to champion equality and belonging at Jacobs and beyond.”
At Jacobs, our commitment to advancing equality for all is embedded in our culture and strategy. Through TogetherBeyond℠, we continue to create a workplace where our differences are accepted and celebrated, resulting in an environment where everyone feels free to be who they are.
