Apollo Tyres is passionately committed to empowering communities and significantly enhancing their quality of life.
Apollo Tyres Launches Skill Training Centre for Transgender Community in Hyderabad
The company recently inaugurated a skill training centre for the Transgenders in Auto Nagar, Hyderabad. This pilot programme aims to empower 20 transgenders for jute bag making.
This initiative is designed to empower transgenders by providing them with vital skills and training, significantly boosting their employability and fostering self-sufficiency in the community. During the inauguration of the training centre, Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) ordered 500 jute bags to inspire the trainees, with an assurance of more orders in the future.
Participants will be split into two batches of 10, with each one benefiting from 3 months practical and hands-on training that equips them with valuable skills. To alleviate financial concerns during this critical period, each trainee will receive a stipend for 3 months. The training facility will be equipped with 5 jute bag making machines, along with necessary raw materials and tools to create high quality, market-ready jute bags. A skilled instructor would provide customised guidance throughout this 3-month training phase.
“I firmly believe in the potential for transformative change, a change that frees us from the constraints of patriarchy and binary stereotypes. Having faced significant challenges, I understand that every right must be accessible to my community. My journey began in NGOs as a healthcare professional, and I am convinced that our approach must be holistic. As an advocate, I see that targeted livelihood training can equip us with vital skills to elevate our lives, yet it must stem from genuine community needs. Ultimately, meaningful change is achievable when systems and institutions invest trust and long-term support in us. I am confident that with this backing from Apollo Tyres, we will rise and succeed superbly,” said Rachna (Transgender), Trainer and Activist.
Realising the critical role of transgender sex workers amongst the trucking community, ATF has integrated them to become peer educators (volunteers) by providing them training on essential healthcare services. In FY24, ATF engaged with 54 transgender peer educators across 20 transhipment hubs in the country, who reached out to 21,500 truckers to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS. Further, as part of its DEI programme, ATF has onboarded staff, representing the transgender community, in its project.
