Bridgestone India launches “Mechanic on Wheels’ with Women Mechanics in Indore

Mechanic on Wheels _01_BSID_13-07-2023

In a major women empowerment initiative in Indore, Bridgestone India has trained over 200 women to become professional drivers and two-wheeler mechanics under Yantrika Program in association with Samaan Society. 60 women have been trained as two-wheeler mechanics and 149 as drivers. Since June 2023 ten of these women mechanics are part of “Mechanic on Wheels” service, providing servicing of two wheelers at people’s homes and emergency roadside repairs as per requirement. The services can be availed by all, within the city of Indore from 10 am to 6 pm.

The first batch of these trainees have now become master trainers, and in turn are training other women. Most trainees have been employed in two-wheeler showrooms, service centres and some have even started their own garages.

Continuing this success, Mechanics on Wheels is the latest offering under this programme in association with Samaan Society.  

Dr.. Sandhya Vyas, Joint Director of the Department of Women and Child Development of the Madhya Pradesh Government, flagged off the programme.

“Bridgestone prides itself as a mobility solutions provider as well as a Company promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Our women empowerment initiatives are well combining our vision and our values. Training women as drivers and mechanics is a great example of it. One of the key pillars of mobility solutions is the development of trained talent. As more women opt for mobility, they look for identifiable support services. Training women in this core and unconventional sector was a result of the need for trained staff, and a reflection of women wanting to work in more mainstream sectors. These initiatives also give them financial independence. I congratulate these women who showed great dedication and strength in learning a new skill” said Stefano Sanchini, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

Spread over three and a half months, the training for drivers includes driving skills, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair. Soft skills training in English speaking, map reading, first aid, self-defence is also imparted. An insight to Women related law, Motor Vehicle Act, Insurance Act is also provided.

. “Bridgestone, in collaboration with Samaan Society, has provided special training to these mechanics. This service will be available for the entire city of Indore. To provide the services, these women mechanics carry a specially designed tool bag, which also includes normally replaced spare parts. We are committed towards creating livelihoods for people in need through meaningful endeavours.” said Rajendra Bandhu, Executive Director Samaan Society.

Bridgestone’s global CSR Commitment places strategic focus on areas of Mobility, People & Environment, Bridgestone India, aligned to this commitment, reaches out to communities with specially curated programmes.