Apollo Tyres has inaugurated a skill training centre for transgender individuals in Auto Nagar, Hyderabad, aiming to empower 20 transgenders in jute bag making. This initiative, part of a pilot program, seeks to enhance their employability and self-sufficiency through vital skills and training over a three-month period.
The programme splits participants into two batches of 10, providing 3 months of practical, hands-on training in jute bag making. To support the trainees financially during this period, the company ensures they receive a stipend. The facility is equipped with 5 jute bag making machines, necessary raw materials, and tools to produce high-quality, market-ready jute bags. A skilled instructor offers customized guidance throughout the training phase.
During the inauguration, the Apollo Tyres Foundation placed an order for 500 jute bags from the trainees and assured more orders in the future to inspire and motivate them.
“I firmly believe in the potential for transformative change, a change that frees us from the constraints of patriarchy and binary stereotypes. Having faced significant challenges, I understand that every right must be accessible to my community. My journey began in NGOs as a healthcare professional, and I am convinced that our approach must be holistic. As an advocate, I see that targeted livelihood training can equip us with vital skills to elevate our lives, yet it must stem from genuine community needs. Ultimately, meaningful change is achievable when systems and institutions invest trust and long-term support in us. I am confident that with this backing from Apollo Tyres, we will rise and succeed superbly,” said Rachna, a transgender trainer and activist.
Recognising the critical role of transgender sex workers among the trucking community, Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) has integrated them as peer educators by training them in essential healthcare services. In FY24, ATF engaged with 54 transgender peer educators across 20 transshipment hubs in the country, reaching out to 21,500 truckers to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS.
As part of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, ATF has onboarded transgender staff into its projects, further promoting inclusiveness. The foundation’s ongoing commitment to integrating transgender individuals into the mainstream workforce and society reflects a broader strategy to address community needs comprehensively.
