Mumbai: The BMC has launched "Project Arya" in collaboration with 'Zomato' to empower women through self-help groups (SHGs) in the food delivery sector. Set to be launched on Wednesday, in celebration of International Women's Day, the initiative aims to provide women with opportunities to become financially independent and active participants in the business world.
The BMC is the first local governing body in India to collaborate with a food delivery company for such a project. Through this initiative, women will develop new entrepreneurial skills, contributing to their economic empowerment and growth, according to the BMC.
This initiative aims to help weaker sections of society progress. The project will begin in BMC's T Ward in Mulund and later include women from SHGs in other wards across all departments.
International Women’s Day 2025: BMC & Zomato empower women through ‘Project Arya’ food delivery training | File Photo
Jambhekar stated, "Under this project, women participants will receive registration, training, safety plans, and insurance benefits from Zomato. The initiative includes scholarships for the children of participating women, accident insurance, maternity insurance, family insurance, two days' leave during menstruation, free safety gear, and other family-related benefits. Currently, in Mulund, training sessions are being held for registration on the Zomato app and special training for riding electric two-wheelers for interested women."
The BMC has trained 30 to 40 women from SHGs in riding two-wheelers for food delivery, with 15 women selected in the first phase. They have also received self-defense training and will use a mobile app to send emergency SOS messages for safety.
The project will be officially launched on March 5, 2025, by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, in the presence of Director (Planning) Prachi Jambhekar and Zomato's Chief Executive Officer (Mumbai Division) Umesh Ahuja. The event will take place at Kalidas Natyagruh in Mulund West at 5:30 pm.
