GURUGRAM (India CSR): Apollo Tyres honoured eight outstanding women entrepreneurs at the 7th edition of ‘EK NAAM’, its flagship initiative celebrating and empowering grassroots women leaders. These Changemakers, through their leadership and resilience, have transformed communities and advanced inclusive development.
Launched in 2019, EK NAAM has grown into a powerful platform that recognises women entrepreneurs from underserved communities, spotlighting their role as catalysts of grassroots transformation. The initiative underscores Apollo Tyres’ commitment to advancing gender equity and building sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Gregor Trumel, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, and Director of The French Institute in India, underscored the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering resilient societies and deepening global partnerships.
R Mahalakshmi, CHRO, Apollo Tyres Ltd, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to inclusive growth, emphasising that empowering women entrepreneurs is pivotal to driving sustainable development and enabling lasting community transformation.
The highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of eight EK NAAM Change Agents Sahida Beevi, Seemamol S, Meera Appa, Pinki Ji, Manjulaben Patel, Kavita Ji, Gohil Dakshaben and Bahamuni Kisku. These women were honoured for their exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and transformative community impact. Their selection for this edition followed Apollo Tyres targeted interventions and close collaboration with its NGO partners.
An interaction with Anjum Chopra, former Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, inspired the audience with her insights on leadership and perseverance.
The event also reaffirmed Apollo Tyres Foundation’s strategic partnership with Saral Jeevan India Foundation and Frontier Markets to empower rural women entrepreneurs and expand inclusive economic opportunities through digital platforms. Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, highlighted the critical role of women-led enterprises in driving grassroots economic growth.
In addition, a panel discussion on “Justice in Action: Advancing Equity for Inclusive Futures” emphasised the shift from dialogue to tangible change. Panellists called for transforming systems to ensure fairness, access and opportunity for all, focussing on marginalised voices and embedding equity into policy and practice to build inclusive, resilient and just futures.
The EK NAAM initiative continues to support Apollo Tyres’ sustainability vision, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by empowering women as key agents of change.
(India CSR)
