Bridgestone India Empowers Women Through Comprehensive Training Program for Mechanics and Drivers

Bridgestone India, a leading tire manufacturer, has been actively involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives for many years. In a significant stride towards gender equality and empowerment, Bridgestone India has initiated a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping women with mechanical and driving skills known as the Yantrika Program. The Yantrika Program was launched in 2022 in partnership with Samaan Society, a non-profit organization that promotes gender equality. The program is designed to give women the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these traditionally male-dominated professions.

This visionary CSR initiative seeks to break barriers, promote inclusivity, and open new avenues for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. By fostering gender diversity and providing opportunities for skill development, Bridgestone India creates a pathway for women to thrive in the automotive sector.

Empowering Women through Skill Development

60 women have been trained as two-wheeler mechanics and 149 as drivers. Since June 2023, 10 of these women mechanics have been part of the ‘Mechanic on Wheels’ service. The service provides servicing of two-wheelers at people’s homes and emergency roadside repairs. Anyone within the city of Indore can avail of the services.

Bridgestone India’s CSR program empowers women by equipping them with technical expertise in mechanics and driving. Recognizing the existing gender gap in the automotive industry, the program offers specialized training modules designed to provide women with the necessary skills to excel in these fields. Through this initiative, Bridgestone India aims to challenge societal stereotypes and pave the way for greater participation of women in non-traditional job roles.

Comprehensive Training for Women Mechanics

Bridgestone India provides comprehensive training to women mechanics as part of the program. By honing their technical skills, women mechanics gain the confidence to handle complex repairs and contribute meaningfully to the automotive industry. Bridgestone India ensures that the training is conducted by experienced professionals, employing a hands-on approach to foster practical knowledge.

The training program is rigorous and covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Basic mechanics
• Preventive maintenance
• Emergency repair
• Driving skills
• Soft skills such as spoken English, map reading, first aid, and self-defense
• An introduction to women-related laws, the Motor Vehicle Act, and the Insurance Act

Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusivity

Bridgestone India’s initiative is a testament to its commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity. The company challenges societal norms and biases by encouraging women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. This comprehensive training program aims to bridge the gender gap by empowering women with skills that enhance their employability and open up many opportunities in the automotive sector. Bridgestone India believes that gender equality is a social responsibility and an economic imperative for sustainable development.

More of Bridgestone India’s CSR Initiatives

In addition to the Yantrika Program, Bridgestone India supports several other CSR initiatives.

• The Green Bridge Program, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s operations
• The Bridgestone Community Center, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children and youth
• The Bridgestone Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Bridgestone India is committed to positively impacting the communities in which it operates. The company’s CSR initiatives are helping to improve the lives of people and the environment, and they are a testament to the company’s values.

Impact of the Yantrika Program

The Yantrika Program has had many positive impacts on the lives of the women who have participated. These include:

• Increased financial independence
• Improved job opportunities
• Enhanced skill set
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Reduced social stigma
• Increased awareness of women’s rights

The program has also positively impacted the communities in which it operates. It has helped to create more opportunities for women, and it has helped to break down gender stereotypes. The program has also helped improve women’s safety on the roads.

Bridgestone India’s CSR program for training women mechanics and drivers exemplifies the company’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Bridgestone India is nurturing a pool of skilled women professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the automotive industry by providing comprehensive training and support. Through this initiative, women are breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Bridgestone India’s visionary approach paves the way for a brighter future, where women play a significant role in shaping the automotive sector and inspiring future generations.

Read More: Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality and Sustainable Development through CSR Initiatives