Mumbai, September 08, 2023. Procter & Gamble India (P&G India), known for brands like Gillette, Oral-B, and Whisper, has unveiled 'Project Pragati,' a digital upskilling initiative designed exclusively for marginalized women and transgender communities. This initiative is part of P&G India's flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, P&G Shiksha, and is being shared ahead of International Literacy Day. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of 2020-21 reveals a significant digital gender gap in India, with 70% of urban women having used the internet compared to 49.6% in rural areas. To address this gap, 'Project Pragati' was launched as a pilot in partnership with Pratham Infotech Foundation and Humsafar Trust. Its primary objective is to enhance the employability of marginalized communities by equipping them with essential digital skills required in today's tech-driven world.
During the pilot phase, the program positively impacted over 600 women and transgender individuals, highlighting P&G India's commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity both within and outside the company. In addition to these efforts, P&G India's employees volunteer to provide digital upskilling training to communities where they operate, making a positive impact on employment opportunities and socioeconomic empowerment. 'Project Pragati' has already influenced over 1 lakh individuals, including schoolgirls, graduate students at ITI colleges, marginalized women, and beneficiaries from the transgender community. The program also collaborates with external partners to offer skill-based certifications across various courses, expanding its reach and impact.
P&G India has recently pledged to provide digital upskilling opportunities to 5 lakh women from underprivileged communities over the next 5 years through 'Project Pragati.' This initiative, conducted in partnership with NGO partners and employee volunteers, aims to advance equality and inclusion in STEM fields.Originally launched to upskill women from marginalized communities, 'Project Pragati' has expanded to include the transgender community as part of 'Pragati For Pride,' a collaboration with Pratham Infotech Foundation and Humsafar Trust. This extension emphasizes empowerment and equips individuals with vital digital skills to confidently navigate today's job market.
P&G India has also partnered with Humsafar Trust to organize 'Saksham,' an exclusive job fair for students enrolled in the upskilling program and members of the LGBTQ+ community from less privileged backgrounds or those who have faced unfair life experiences.The upskilling program covers basic modules like digital payments and email fundamentals, as well as intermediate modules such as MS Office Suite, providing beneficiaries with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 'Project Pragati' aims to drive financial inclusion, enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship, and act as a catalyst for social mobility.
Speaking on this occasion, LV Vaidyanathan, Chief Executive Officer, P&G India said, “At P&G, equality and inclusion is a guiding force which propels us forward towards our aim of creating an equal tomorrow. Project Pragati is born out of this belief and aims to bridge the gap in digital literacy and enable marginalized communities in need to live to their full potential, by imparting essential digital skills that are only becoming critical with time. I am also proud of our people who are volunteering to be a part of the initiative to make a positive difference in the communities we serve as force for growth and a force for good.”
