Bridgestone India, in an initiative to empower women, trained over 200 females in Indore to become professional drivers and mechanics, under the ‘Yantrika Program’ in collaboration with Samaan Society. Totally, 209 women were trained to be professionals in the industry: 60 women as two-wheeler mechanics, and 149 as drivers.
Since June 2023, ten women have been involved in the ‘Mechanics on Wheels’ service which provides door-step and emergency repairs as per the customer’s needs. This service is available to everyone residing within Indore.
The first batch of women to go through this training program are called the ‘master trainers’ and they are incharge of training other women who are a part of this project. Most of the trainees are employees at two-wheeler showrooms, service-centres, and some have even opened their own garage!
“Bridgestone prides itself as a mobility solutions provider as well as a Company promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Our women empowerment initiatives are well combining our vision and our values. Training women as drivers and mechanics is a great example of it,” said Stefano Sanchini, Managing Director of Bridgestone India.
“Training women in this core and unconventional sector was a result of the need for trained staff, and a reflection of women wanting to work in more mainstream sectors. These initiatives also give them financial independence. I congratulate these women who showed great dedication and strength in learning a new skill,” Stefano added.
The driving training that Bridgestone has given the women include driving skills, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair, and is done over a time-span of three and a half months. Additionally, minor skills development such as English speaking, map reading, first-aid, and self-defence was taught to the keen females.
Also, Bridgestone opened women’s eyes into Women related law, Motor Vehicle Acts, and the Insurance Act. Furthermore, Bridgestone’s Global CSR Commitment focuses on areas of Mobility, People, and the Environment.
Bridgestone has stepped up the automobile game by taking into consideration different communities and individuals who are interested in the field and provide training to involve them with such work. Also, with the women empowerment initiative, Bridgestone is greatly helping the community to grow and expand, with a more diverse lineup of support staff.
