Hindustan Unilever Launches Comprehensive Safety Initiative for 100,000 Women in ‘Outer Core’

by Team Iamsafeatwork

05-06-2023

Safety

Dated: 22 February 2022

Mumbai, India – Hindustan Unilever (HUL), a leading FMCG company, has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of women in its workforce and partner networks. With a focus on empowering women in various spaces such as workplaces, homes, and public areas, HUL has launched a comprehensive safety initiative that aims to educate and generate awareness among its female employees and approximately 100,000 women working across its supply chain, third-party factories, distributors, and other networks.

Under this revolutionary initiative, HUL is implementing a range of measures designed to address safety concerns and provide the necessary support systems for women. One of the key components of the program is the provision of psychological counseling, which provides emotional support to women facing challenges related to safety. In addition, specific support helplines will also be developed in order to guarantee that women have access to prompt aid when needed.

HUL will conduct awareness-generating training sessions as part of the mission to provide women with the information and abilities to manage safety problems properly. These sessions will empower women with the tools they need to address safety concerns at work, at home, and in public spaces. The company’s commitment to the cause is further highlighted by its intention to collaborate with women’s cells and other relevant authorities, providing women with the necessary resources and guidance to seek appropriate action when faced with safety challenges.

Anuradha Razdan, Executive Director – HR at HUL emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative, stating, ” “Next we will cover the outer core of 100,000 women – they will have access to a toll-free number run by our NGO partner who will give them counseling support and other support like connecting with police, authorities and other legal support, etc., if they need” This expansion of support beyond HUL’s immediate workforce demonstrates the company’s commitment to extending safety measures to women working in diverse roles and across various networks.

The recent launch of a gender-neutral policy further solidifies its dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. The policy aims to protect and provide relief to employees facing physical and emotional abuse, both within and beyond the workplace. By acknowledging that safety concerns can extend to employees’ homes and other public spaces, including online platforms, HUL is setting a precedent for corporate responsibility and employee care.

In addition to its safety initiatives, HUL is actively working towards increasing gender diversity in its workforce. The company has set an ambitious target of hiring 2,000 women for shopfloor positions in some of its most remote locations over the next three years. This initiative aligns with recent governmental changes allowing women to work night shifts, enabling HUL to expand its efforts on women’s safety and gender balance.

Commenting on the company’s future plans, Anuradha Razdan stated, “As the government started to allow women in night shifts, we have women in our factories in West Bengal, and hence we want to broaden our effort (on women’s safety and gender balance).” By actively promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated roles, HUL is championing inclusivity and empowerment.

About HUL comprehensive safety initiative

The launch of this comprehensive safety initiative by HUL has been met with appreciation from various stakeholders. Women employees, both within the company and across its partner networks, will now have access to invaluable resources and support systems that will enable them to navigate safety challenges with confidence and resilience. With its commitment to providing psychological counseling, dedicated support helplines, awareness generation training, and collaborations with women’s cells and authorities, HUL is setting a commendable

About Hindustan Unilever (HUL)

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is a British-owned Indian consumer goods company headquartered in Mumbai. It is a subsidiary of the British company Unilever. Its products include foods, beverages, cleaning agents, personal care products, water purifiers and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). The company offers a wide range of consumer products across multiple categories, including home care, personal care, foods and beverages, and water purification. HUL is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote social welfare. It focuses on areas such as water conservation, waste management, renewable energy, and social programs related to health, education, and livelihood improvement.