Eco Conscious Technology Empowers Sustainable Livelihoods

Corporate Social Responsibility is an important leg of any sustainable business model. Be it sustainable production processes or eco-efficient waste management or serving the communities that you operate in; it is the way to conduct yourself. In today’s time after the mandate in 2014, it has become a business imperative.

Is it only community service or monetary aid? A business needs to be profitable to be able to give back to the society. As much one takes from the society it is important to give back too. This is essential because when any entity grows, the community around has to grow too.

ECO Kitchen and Sodexo joined hands in October 2010. Strategic in nature, the partnership aims to serve the communities they operate in. Sodexo offers the production support with standardized recipes and hygienically cooked food. In this manner, social entrepreneurship is encouraged among the underserved communities in Chennai. Disadvantaged urban women, impacted by domestic/partner violence and in need of resources are supported, so as to financially empower them.

42-year old Leela, has been uplifted since 2015. She lives in the catchment area with her husband and two daughters. Her journey towards financial independence has been a roller-coaster ride. From local/societal confrontation to equipping herself with the right skills to be an entrepreneur, she had to overcome many challenges. But her ‘never-say-die” attitude made her successful. Today, she sells hot meals to over 100-150 customers in Guindy, earning an average Rs. 1000 per day. She feels empowered and now, motivates other oppressed women to join the program. Leela says, “Through the sustainable income, I can educate my daughters in a good school too. I am not dependent on my family members anymore.”

Rajeshwari suffered from substance abuse and says,  “The margin at which I buy the meals is the money I make for my living. It is sufficient enough to support me in educating my daughters in a quality school in our vicinity. I earn Rs. 700/- per day with my husband pitching in with his own kiosk business. I’m glad to be able to make ends meet.”

It is delightful to see financial aid being provided to the under-served communities, especially women who have been victims of domestic violence by offering them a source of livelihood.

The initiative has strong-willed women who are benefiting from the project and have earned a sustained living, in addition to the gender networks which reach out to the communities.

“It takes a lot of effort as the women come from the lower strata of the society. Either they don’t have supportive families or personal commitments of the family responsibility do not let her step out of the house. Along with timing flexibility, we also guide them on a personal note with financial planning and in putting children to school. To tackle the issue of malnutrition, there is a long way to go along with a great need for impetus. The work of corporates working alongside NGOs, needs to happen at different levels. Regarding partnerships, we are in the endeavour to recognise similar needs in different geographies,” says Pradeep Chavda, HR Director, Sodexo India.

Thank you for reading the story until the very end. We appreciate the time you have given us. In addition, your thoughts and inputs will genuinely make a difference to us. Please do drop in a line and help us do better.

Regards,
The CSR Journal Team

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