Mumbai: Red Dot Foundation (RDF), in collaboration with Swiggy, has launched a learning initiative to build awareness around gender biases and sexual harassment among Swiggy’s delivery partners. This partnership the companies explain marks a step towards creating a safer and more inclusive society.
While many organisations and governments have started addressing gender bias and sexual harassment, this is an industry-first initiative for gig workers whose number is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30 added the companies.
As India strides towards the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, the goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls remains paramount. However, recent reports such as the Global Gender Gap Index and the UNDP report on gender bias highlight the substantial challenges that persist. In the rapidly expanding gig economy, gaps in understanding, education, and action with regard to issues like gender bias and sexual harassment are sometimes pronounced, and addressing them is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment.
Swiggy and RDF said that they have stepped up to understand and improve the current awareness levels among gig workers by partnering through the Safecity Initiative.
Mihir Rajesh Shah, Head of Operations, Swiggy said, “Swiggy has consistently prioritised fostering a safe and inclusive environment for our delivery partners, with industry-first initiatives like period time off, a sexual harassment policy for women delivery partners, and the Swiggy Skills program. Sexual harassment and gender bias are important subjects to understand in every society and we hope that through the right training and awareness, our delivery partners can identify and act upon such instances.”
Supreet K Singh, co-founder, CEO, Red Dot Foundation said, “We will train more than 4 lakh Swiggy delivery partners on understanding and recognising gender-based violence around them, knowing the redressal mechanism, and provide them with the Safecity platform to report anonymously. Considering that they are in public spaces during and in between deliveries, they can be active bystanders and share their knowledge with someone in need. No knowledge is worth it unless it leads to action that helps resolve a problem. Through this collaboration, we hope to empower Swiggy’s delivery partners to become change agents for society.”
Under the Safecity Initiative, Swiggy and RDF have developed video training modules for delivery partners that include topics such as the definition of sexual harassment, relevant laws, prevention strategies, and identifying unconscious bias. The training also includes a practical guide on using the Safecity app to report harassment incidents and how reporting incidents makes a difference in society. Accessible in multiple languages, these videos will ensure Swiggy’s delivery partners can understand and apply their knowledge effectively, thus bridging the awareness gap.
Thomas Henry, L&D Head, Swiggy said, “At Swiggy, we are committed to addressing gender bias and sexual harassment by enhancing our educational initiatives and using our digital platforms to raise awareness. Our specially designed learning modules empower our delivery partners to identify and address such issues, fostering a safe and respectful community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and protected”.
The companies added that since May 2024, more than ten thousand delivery partners have watched these videos in the app. Additionally, 6000+ delivery partners have watched these on the YouTube channels. A post-survey has also been conducted with them to gauge movement in the awareness levels. Those delivery partners who interact with the course, are more aware of gender biases and sexual harassment. They are better equipped to help someone in these situations and know how to use the Safecity platform to report such incidents.
