Join us as we step into the world of impactful corporate social responsibility with Ms. Ashwini Deodeshmukh, Head- CSR & Sustainability Reporting at Godrej & Boyce. From equipping young minds with cutting-edge digital skills through the "Godrej Disha Digital Programme" to empowering women-led businesses and fostering thriving communities, Ms. Deodeshmukh sheds light on their multi-faceted approach.
Imagine empowering young people with the tools they need to succeed in today's tech-driven world. The "Godrej Disha Digital Programme" does just that, providing vital training in robotics, business analytics, and digital marketing, paving the way for bright futures. But the impact doesn't stop there. Through a unique "train the trainer" component, the program goes the extra mile, multiplying its reach and empowering educators as well. Empowerment takes center stage when we look at their commitment to women-led enterprises. By facilitating the creation of over 193 such businesses, they're not just boosting incomes, but actively fostering participation and leadership within communities. These dynamic women are engaged in diverse activities, from agriculture to production, contributing to their own well-being and that of their families.
This conversation with Ms. Deodeshmukh paints a vibrant picture of how Godrej & Boyce is committed to building a brighter future. By focusing on skilling, empowerment, and sustainable community development, they're leaving a positive impact on countless individuals and creating a ripple effect of change.
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Q. Skilling and employment are a significant CSR focus area for Godrej & Boyce. How do you approach the integration of digital skills programs, such as robotics and digital marketing, into its CSR initiatives, and what impact has this had on employability?
A. In March 2022, we introduced our flagship project in the skill development domain, ‘The Godrej Disha Digital Training Programme’. It addresses the prevailing digital skill gap among graduates from colleges in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The integrated programme is designed to provide focused training in modern technology and skills required for the progressing job market. The programme comprises courses in business analytics, robotics and automation, and dashboarding, smart machine operator - future skills and digital marketing. The first two courses cater to engineering students. The aim has been to equip them with essential skills in robotics, business analytics, automation and dashboarding, developing their employability in industries that are technology driven. The e-commerce course and digital marketing is accessible to fresh graduates, which offer comprehensive training in e-commerce and digital marketing, catering to the growing demand in the online business domain. The smart machine operator - future skills course however, outspreads students; it encompasses a component focused on 'training the trainers.' This aspect is designed to help trainers and instructors from various industrial training institutes (ITIs) across the nation, improving their capabilities. This course aligns with the growing trend of smart technologies and automation in the marketplace.The programme has proven to be a positive initiative, influencing the lives of over 500 students, and extending its impact to trainers and instructors.
Q. How do you ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of your CSR initiatives, especially in the context of DISHA and other skilling and employment initiatives?
A. The primary goal of Disha is to contribute to bridging the skills gap at both student and trainer levels, aligning with the ever-growing demands of the workforce. By including a varied range of courses and integrating a 'train the trainers' component, the Godrej Disha and the Godrej Disha Digital Training Programme not only addresses the skill and digital skills needs of graduates respectively but also contributes to the sustainable development of skilled human resources in the training and education sector.Ensuring sustainability encompasses consistent monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the programme. Continuous assessments identify areas for improvement and facilitate the programme to adapt to changing needs. The Godrej Disha Training Programme has made significant strides, having trained 1,79,330 young people countrywide. Operating within 22 states with 29 partners and 88 centers, Disha has supported its partners beyond training, enhancing the capacities of educators and trainers to the sustainable development of skills and digital skills education at the grassroots level. This in in turn has created a huge positive impact on communities and industries at the local level, fostering innovation and economic development.
Q. Could you elaborate on the company's approach to supporting women-led establishments through its CSR initiatives and the outcomes achieved in empowering women in rural areas?
A. We have facilitated the establishment of 193 women-led enterprises, encompassing 157 Self Help Groups (SHGs). These businesses/enterprises have collectively generated revenues amounting to INR 43 lakh. These SHGs led by women, organized by the organisation, engage in diverse agricultural activities like poultry farming, floriculture, and paddy nurseries. Moreover, other women-led enterprises have been equipped to produce variety of products that include agarbattis, beauty items, and oils.Positive outcomes of women entrepreneurship include a boost in women’s incomes, which has positive impacts on the overall well-being of their families. Women allocate a significant portion of their earnings to education and health, enhancing the overall standard of living and ensuring a secure future. Women play a pivotal role in communities, and their participation in social and economic spheres is vital for socio-economic growth. Through encouragement, women are confident about decision-making roles and contribute to transforming perceptions of society regarding the roles of women, especially in influencing views towards girl child education.
Q. Could you provide specific examples of community development initiatives undertaken or advanced by the organisation in 2023? Are there any milestones or achievements that you would like to share with us?
A. Milestones:
- Reached 24 villages in eight locations across six states
- Covered more than 46 schools for mega infrastructure (model school) project, Model Anganwadi project covered for smaller WASH and quality of education improvements projects
- Income enhancement programme for more than 3500 farmers including activities like organic farming, poultry units, farm equipment bank
- Conserved 36,000+ trees / shrubs
- Impacted 10000+ women through multiprong initiatives in area of health awareness, livelihood generation
- Water conservation of 100+ water million litre through rainwater harvesting, pond development, check dam construction, Increasing water availability.
- Treated 1,00,000+ kilo litre wastewater per day
Post pandemic, we reinstated our flagship programs in 2023, in areas of women empowerment and education. The year saw special focus on water projects with 2 large scale projects of pond restoration and community wastewater treatment.
Q. In the context of emerging industry trends and evolving standards for responsible business practices, what are the organization's expectations regarding the evolution and potential advancements of its CSR programs?
A. With almost a decade of enactment of the CSR law in India, the industries understanding of CSR and in its impact has evolved. The programs are now designed to work towards National & Global short term / long term priorities yet are agile to take on emergencies like COVID. At Godrej & Boyce our CSR programs are aligned to SDGs. We specifically work on SDGs 2,3,4,6,8, 13,14 &15. The project planning is done at micro level so that contribution to specific SDG indicators can be tracked. E.g., Under SDG 3 we worked on TB elimination projects and have been regularly tracking the incidences of TB in our impact areas.
Q. Can you share an instance where the community you work with challenged your assumptions, pushing you to reconsider your CSR approach? How did that influence your future initiatives and working style?
A. We believe CSR is a very iterative and collaborative process, so we are always open to feedback, inputs from the community, which goes a long way to gain community buy-in for the process and enhance the impact of the project. Before starting any CSR program in any region, we conduct a needs assessment study for the region, using scientific tools like primary surveys, FGDs, PRA (participatory rural appraisal), etc. For the DISHA employability program, we conduct the trade potential mapping survey. For all the programs, we have a formal engagement process with the community and partners to seek feedback on project progress or outcomes seen. The feedback received not only helps in course correction for the current projects but also in planning future projects.
