India: social enterprises build 100% female delivery teams

In Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai women roam the streets on scooters, delivering packages door-to-door. India has seen e-commence grow rapidly, with the number of consumers making online purchases set to grow from 69 million in 2016 to 100 million this year, according to a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (Assocham). A number of firms have begun to make use of delivery teams that are entirely staffed by women.
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Driving and self-defence training. Hey Deedee, a delivery company based in Mumbai, is a case in point. Set up in 2016, this social enterprise has more than 100 female delivery staff and is currently training 2,800 more. Revathi Roy, who founded the company, says: “We have a team tasked with recruiting females that live below the poverty line. Once they are trained, they can work with us.” The women learn how to drive a two-wheeled vehicle and also undergo self-defence training. Even Cargo,...

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