Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), in its latest venture under the 'Drive4Progress' initiative, has facilitated employment opportunities for 250 women drivers in the Delhi NCR region. This achievement is the result of a strategic partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Navjyoti NGO and BluSmart.
Drive4Progress, spearheaded by HMIF, is a driver skill development program focused on professional training and opening employment avenues for the youth. With an inclusive approach, the initiative ensures that 30% of its beneficiaries are women. The program's curriculum encompasses theory, soft skills training, practical driving lessons, license processing, and employment opportunities, aiming to foster inclusivity in the workforce.
Navjyoti's involvement aims at creating a more inclusive transportation ecosystem by empowering women with the necessary professional skills. The 'Drive4Progress' project, which kicked off in October 2023, targets training over 1,500 youths, including at least 30% women, from various Indian states over three years. Participants, primarily from Below Poverty Line (BPL) communities, are trained and equipped to secure employment in the transportation sector, with the support of HMIF and Navjyoti for obtaining permanent driving licenses and NSDC certification upon successful training completion.
This initiative not only focuses on wage employment for the majority of beneficiaries but also encourages self-employment avenues for others. The training provided as part of this MoU will cover critical areas such as safe driving practices, customer service, and vehicle maintenance, ensuring that upon completion, these women are well-prepared to join BluSmart's workforce, thereby promoting gender inclusivity and empowerment in the transportation industry.