Apollo Tyres has launched a significant step towards social inclusion. The company has opened a new skill training centre for transgender individuals in Auto Nagar, Hyderabad.
The primary aim of this pilot programme is to train 20 participants in jute bag production. It will also provide them with skills that can improve employability and support economic independence.
In a show of support and commitment, Apollo Tyres Foundation has placed an initial order for 500 jute bags, with additional orders anticipated to encourage ongoing production. The participants, divided into two groups of 10, will receive three months of practical training, along with a stipend during this period to ensure financial stability. Equipped with five jute bag-making machines and necessary raw materials, the facility is designed to enable high-quality production, guided by a skilled instructor offering tailored instruction.
One of the trainers, Rachna—a transgender activist—spoke on the initiative, emphasising the importance of challenging binary stereotypes and patriarchy, and advocating for training programmes that meet genuine community needs. “Real change requires long-term trust and support from institutions, and with Apollo Tyres’ backing, we are on a path to success,” Rachna shared.
Further strengthening its commitment to inclusion, the Apollo Tyres Foundation has extended training to transgender individuals, many of whom are involved in outreach among the trucking community as peer educators. In FY24, 54 transgender peer educators supported awareness efforts, reaching over 21,500 truckers to promote HIV/AIDS awareness across 20 key transshipment hubs. Through this initiative, Apollo Tyres not only aims to enhance economic opportunities but also actively incorporates transgender individuals into its projects under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programme.
