Vodafone Idea’s CSR Initiative Introduces Innovative Solution to Enhance Women’s Safety in the Informal Sector

by Team Iamsafeatwork

05-10-2023

Safety

The informal sector encompasses a wide range of activities, from street vending and domestic work to small-scale agriculture and home-based enterprises. It operates outside the regulatory framework and is characterized by its lack of formal contracts, job security, and social protection. Women make up a substantial portion of the workforce in this sector, often due to limited access to formal employment opportunities. Women working in the informal sector are undeniably at a greater risk of workplace harassment and violence due to a combination of economic, social, and legal factors. Recognizing their vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive measures to protect their rights and safety is not only a matter of justice but also essential for inclusive economic development.

Women in the informal sector confront a multitude of challenges, including long working hours, low wages, lack of access to healthcare, and limited job security. However, one of the most distressing aspects of their work is the heightened risk of workplace harassment and violence. To address this gap, On March 2023, Vodafone Idea’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, Vi Foundation, in collaboration with NASSCOM Foundation’s Connecting for Good program and Martha Farrell Foundation, has launched the MyAmbar Suraksha Chakra solution.

MyAmbar Suraksha Chakra is a new solution for the safety of women working in the informal sector in India. It has been launched by the Vi Foundation, the CSR arm of Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), in collaboration with the NASSCOM Foundation’s Connecting for Good program and the Martha Farrell Foundation. The solution is a digital platform that aims to empower women to feel more confident and secure at their workplace. It creates a system where women can file complaints of harassment with their Local Committees without hassle, from anywhere and at any time, and seek time-bound justice. The platform also offers women access to a rich repository of information on laws and prevention of harassment at workplace, among other things.

The MyAmbar Suraksha Chakra solution is particularly important for women working in the informal sector, as they are often more vulnerable to harassment and abuse. The platform provides them with a safe and accessible way to report incidents of harassment and seek help. However, The solution is currently being piloted in Sikkim, and the Vi Foundation plans to roll it out to other states in India in the coming months.

The launch of MyAmbar Suraksha Chakra is a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality and workplace safety in India. The platform has the potential to empower women and help them create a safer and more equitable work environment.