Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic branch of Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ‘Navjyoti Transforming Lives & Careers Society’ and BluSmart, electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service and charging infrastructure. This collaboration aims to provide employment for 250 trained women drivers who are beneficiaries of HMIF’s ‘Drive4Progress’ initiative.
The HMIF’s ‘Drive4Progress,’ is a driver skill-development initiative, which was launched in October 2023. It aims to train over 1,500 youth, including a minimum of 30 per cent women, from various states over the next three years. Furthermore, it aligns with the government’s goals for skill development and women’s empowerment, aemphasising the promotion of positive social change and corporate social responsibility to enhance gender inclusivity.
HMIF, in partnership with Navjyoti NGO, aims to create a talent pool of trained drivers from Below Poverty Line (BPL) communities, facilitating their employment in the transportation sector.
Under the MoU, the initiative will offer training to women interested in professional driving through Navjyoti. The comprehensive 45-day training programme will cover all the essential skills in safe driving practices, soft skills, customer service, vehicle maintenance and road safety in regional languages.
Additionally, after successful completion, 250 skilled women drivers will be eligible for employment opportunities within BluSmart, contributing to gender inclusivity and empowerment in the transportation industry. This collaboration reinforces the shared vision of promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
During the MoU exchange event, Punnet Anand, VP & vertical head, corporate affairs, Hyundai Motor India underscored Hyundai’s dedication to global advancement and human well-being. “By equipping women with the necessary skills and support, this collaboration underscores the potential for positive social change and the importance of corporate social responsibility in promoting gender inclusivity, with participation of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors,”he said.