BENGALURU (India CSR): Flipkart Foundation, the charitable arm of the Flipkart Group, has partnered with Vipla Foundation to launch an initiative to equip women with employability skills to foster economic independence and reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence. The project, ‘Economic Independence through Employability Skills Training Interventions for Reducing Women’s Vulnerability to Gender-Based Violence,’ seeks to inspire women to pursue skill development or reskilling in marketable vocations, bridging the gap between their capabilities and job opportunities. Implemented in the slum areas of Pune, the initiative will provide women with meaningful, sustainable, and economically stimulating career opportunities, helping them and their families break free from the cycle of intergenerational poverty and exploitation.
This project will be implemented by the Vipla Foundation in Pune district, where women will receive comprehensive training in high-demand sectors such as IT, Retail Sales, BPO, and BFSI. The project aims to train 200 young women from slums, rural, and semi-rural areas of Pune district, with professional skills training. On completion of the project, the participants will receive certification in their chosen trade. Flipkart Foundation and Vipla Foundation aim to create lasting change by fostering a culture of economic self-sufficiency and resilience. The goal is to ensure that women secure opportunities and build sustainable careers that contribute to their families and society.
Key activities under this initiative include providing mentorship, technical and life-skills training, facilitating industry exposure visits, and job placements. The project also emphasizes post-placement support, ensuring that women enter the workforce and sustain their career growth. The partnership will benefit 1,200 individuals, including indirect beneficiaries such as families and community members.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sarah Gideon, Vice President – Corporate Affairs Communications, Flipkart said, “At Flipkart Foundation, we recognize that true empowerment goes beyond skill development. It is about enabling women to reclaim agency over their aspirations, financial security, and societal roles. Our collaboration with Vipla Foundation is rooted in the belief that when women are given the right opportunities, they transform their lives and become catalysts for change within their families and communities. This initiative is about more than just workforce readiness; it is about fostering resilience, confidence, and long-term socio-economic mobility. By equipping women with the tools to navigate personal and professional challenges, we invest in a future where financial independence translates into a more equitable society.”
Pramod Nigudkar, Chief Executive Officer, Vipla Foundation, said, “Empowering women with skills is not just about creating opportunities—it’s about unlocking their boundless potential to lead, inspire, and transform communities. I am deeply grateful to Flipkart Foundation for its unwavering commitment and support to equip women with employability skills and economic opportunities. This contribution will enable women to break barriers, achieve financial independence, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
In the past year, Flipkart Foundation has worked across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal to serve, support, and empower underserved sections of society through a gamut of interventions, to ensure maximum reach and sustainable impact.
(India CSR)
