Online marketplace Amazon has launched two women-only delivery stations in the Indian cities of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, as part of an initiative to help women succeed in the Indian delivery sector.
The stations will be completely managed and run by women and will deliver packages on two-wheeled vehicles, covering a radius of up to 3km (2 miles) from the delivery station. There are also plans to offer self-defense classes to employees along with a dedicated telephone helpline number in order to enhance safety.
Samuel Thomas, director, transportation, Amazon India, said, “Our vision is to create opportunities for individuals to realize their potential and transform their lives. We are committed to using our resources and infrastructure of innovation and technology to support the women in our country [to] explore and succeed in what was otherwise a very male-dominated sector. We are proud to have pioneered the women only delivery station, which is a first-of-its-kind India-specific innovation from Amazon, and look forward to helping women across communities attain financial independence in life.”
Divya Syam, an Amazon India employee, said, “I am glad that Amazon India stepped into my life to provide me with the perfect opportunity to work as a service partner and set an example for many women in the country.
“With the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms and with the support of my very hardworking and dedicated delivery associates, I am certain we will be able to overcome all hindrances and grow in this male-dominated business. I urge all women to get out of their comfort zone and explore the joys of entrepreneurship.”
March 7, 2016