In a pioneering effort to create a safer and more inclusive environment for gig workers, Red Dot Foundation (RDF) has partnered with Swiggy to launch a comprehensive learning initiative aimed at building awareness around gender biases and sexual harassment. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing these crucial issues among Swiggy’s vast network of delivery partners, reinforcing the need for education and action in the gig economy.
The Rising Need for Awareness in the Gig Economy
As the gig economy rapidly expands, with the number of gig workers in India expected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30, it is imperative to address gaps in understanding and education related to gender bias and sexual harassment. While many organizations have begun tackling these issues, this initiative by Swiggy and RDF is the first of its kind specifically tailored for gig workers.
India’s commitment to achieving gender equality as part of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development underscores the importance of such initiatives. However, reports like the Global Gender Gap Index and the UNDP report on gender bias reveal significant challenges that remain, particularly in sectors like the gig economy where awareness and action on these issues are often lacking.
Swiggy X Red Dot Foundation
Safecity Initiative: Empowering Change Through Education
Through the Safecity Initiative, Swiggy and RDF aim to fill these gaps by providing comprehensive training to over 4 lakh delivery partners. The training modules, available in multiple languages, cover crucial topics such as the definition of sexual harassment, relevant laws, prevention strategies, and identifying unconscious bias. Additionally, the training includes practical guidance on using the Safecity app to anonymously report harassment incidents, empowering delivery partners to act as informed bystanders in their communities.
Mihir Rajesh Shah, Head of Operations at Swiggy, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for its delivery partners. “Swiggy has consistently prioritized fostering a safe and inclusive environment for our delivery partners, with industry-first initiatives like period time off, a sexual harassment policy for women delivery partners, and the Swiggy Skills program. Sexual harassment and gender bias are important subjects to understand in every society and we hope that through the right training and awareness, our delivery partners can identify and act upon such instances,” he stated.
Supreet K Singh, Co-Founder & CEO of Red Dot Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of this training. “We will train more than 4 lakh Swiggy delivery partners on understanding and recognizing gender-based violence around them, knowing the redressal mechanism, and provide them with the Safecity platform to report anonymously. Considering that they are in public spaces during and in between deliveries, they can be active bystanders and share their knowledge with someone in need. No knowledge is worth it unless it leads to action that helps resolve a problem. Through this collaboration, we hope to empower Swiggy’s delivery partners to become change agents for society.”
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Impact of the Initiative
Since the launch of the initiative in May 2024, over ten thousand delivery partners have already engaged with the video training modules via the Swiggy app, with an additional 6000+ viewing them on YouTube. A post-training survey conducted among participants revealed a marked increase in awareness of gender biases and sexual harassment. Delivery partners who completed the training reported feeling better equipped to recognize and address such issues and expressed confidence in using the Safecity platform to report incidents.
Thomas Henry, L&D Head at Swiggy, reinforced the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community. “At Swiggy, we are committed to addressing gender bias and sexual harassment by enhancing our educational initiatives and using our digital platforms to raise awareness. Our specially designed learning modules empower our delivery partners to identify and address such issues, fostering a safe and respectful community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and protected.”
Conclusion: A Path Toward Greater Inclusivity
The partnership between Swiggy and RDF through the Safecity Initiative is not just a step towards greater awareness but a significant move towards creating a safer and more inclusive society. By empowering delivery partners with the knowledge and tools to combat gender bias and sexual harassment, Swiggy and RDF are paving the way for a more informed and proactive gig workforce in India.
This initiative serves as a model for other organizations in the gig economy to follow, highlighting the importance of education and action in fostering a safer and more equitable environment for all.
