Break The Bias: Ek Naam

Women are the backbone of rural and national economies around the globe, the foundation of every society.

They represent 49% of the total workforce. Yet, despite their courage, determination and the significant role they play in supporting their family, women around the world still struggle to gain equal status in society. In India, 94% of women are employed in the unorganised sector, involved in work that is often labour-intensive, lacking the dignity of social security, quality working conditions and decent and timely wages. A similar situation prevails in the villages close to our manufacturing locations in the States of Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. In solidarity with women in the community and to address the problem of poverty and poor social status, we, at Apollo Tyres, offered skill-building and income generation for women in these villages. I am pleased to say that this successful, small step led to the development of a women-centric programme named Navya.

Navya targets to improve the situation of women by providing them income generation opportunities at their doorstep.

The Apollo Tyres Foundation team work closely with the women, sensitising them on gender rights to address the problems related to discrimination. The programme is in alignment with government think tank NITI Aayog’s theme National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), helping the underprivileged communities to lift above the poverty line. Sadly, India still has the highest percentage of people living in poverty when compared to the rest of the world. We remain committed to helping address the problems surrounding gender equality and poverty within our nation, which is why the Apollo Tyres Livelihood programme will remain a key area of our focus.

I am proud to say that under the Navya programme, we have been working closely with the women of our communities for the last eight years.

We have helped them to earn and provide not only for their families but for their communities as well, supported them in benefiting from various available government schemes and gave them the chance of equality that they so rightfully deserve. To this day, we have reached out to a total of 16,430 women, provided livelihood opportunities to 12,500 women, and linked over 4000 women with government schemes.

As we continue on this journey of equality, we want to encourage and recognise the efforts of eight pioneer women, who are not only making a difference in their own families but also working as catalysts for change. I know I speak on behalf of all of us at Apollo Tyres when I say that we are ecstatic to bring you the fourth edition of Ek Naam, a campaign first initiated in 2019 that is a testimony to our commitment in enhancing rural livelihoods.

Get ready to be inspired as we identify, acknowledge and encourage the outstanding leadership achievements exhibited by women through various interventions and innovations.  

You may have already read the remarkable stories of Sherly Eldho, Mangli Bai, Valsala Nair and Champaben Ganeshbhai Vankar, four inspiring women who #GoTheDistance to #BreakTheBias. Stay tuned for four more empowering stories of the women of our communities who have broken down barriers to #BreakTheBias.