Mumbai: UN Women and Reckitt have come together to create economic opportunities for women in the health, hygiene and sanitation sectors with a commitment to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion as well as the incorporation of the highest standards of governance.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by UN Women India, country representative, Susan Ferguson and Reckitt, senior vice president - South Asia, Gaurav Jain.
With this partnership, the global consumer health and hygiene company will engage with two billion people through its programmes, partnerships, and campaigns. Each brand is driven by this purpose and is responsible for improving lives through education and providing access to the highest-quality health, hygiene and sanitation, said Reckitt in a media statement.
“Women are the real catalysts of change. We must act as an enabler and catalyst to mentor them and create a more balanced environment,” said Jain during the signing event. “We, at Reckitt are happy to further strengthen our efforts in this direction with UN Women on this one-of-a-kind partnership to support women in our society to become resilient. This partnership aims to equip women with life skills like decision-making, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the health, hygiene, and sanitation sectors. Together, with UN women, we share the common goal of addressing the educational imbalance, gender inequality, and hygiene for all."
“UN Women and Reckitt are committed to improving women’s access to better health and hygiene and decent jobs for women, which is an urgent need in India,” said Ferguson. “Women and girls have been badly affected by Covid-19, so helping the most marginalised find decent jobs in sanitation and hygiene services is an important step towards improving women’s lives.”
Reckitt has introduced several initiatives in marginalised districts of India that the government has categorised as “aspirational” and deserving of particular support. The initiatives cover areas of hygiene, health, and sanitation for women including its support for the Harpic World Toilet College, Dettol Hygiene Impact Bonds as well Dettol Banega Swasth India (India for Health) initiative, and Harpic Mission Paani.
