GE Aerospace, United Way Bengaluru Empower 53 Women with E-Rickshaws for Sustainable Livelihoods
Bengaluru, India – GE Aerospace in India, in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), has taken a significant step toward women’s empowerment by distributing 53 e-rickshaws to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. The initiative, which began as a small pilot with just six vehicles, has now expanded to 69 e-rickshaws, marking a major milestone in fostering financial independence for women in the city.
The handover ceremony was held at GE Aerospace’s Bengaluru research and engineering campus and attended by key dignitaries, including Bengaluru Police Commissioner Shri B. Dayananda, IPS. The program, supported by Parihar—an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office—not only provides the vehicles but also equips beneficiaries with essential training to operate the e-rickshaws and partner with cab aggregators through pre-fitted smartphones.
A Growing Movement for Women’s Empowerment
What started as a modest effort has now evolved into a transformative initiative, enabling women to become self-reliant while contributing to eco-friendly transportation. The e-rickshaws offer a dual benefit: reducing carbon emissions and creating stable income opportunities for women drivers.
Training and Technology for Long-Term Success
Beyond vehicle distribution, the program ensures participants are well-prepared for their new roles. Training covers safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and digital literacy to navigate ride-hailing platforms. Each e-rickshaw comes with a smartphone pre-installed with necessary apps, enabling seamless integration with cab aggregators.
Key Stakeholders Laud the Initiative
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Shri B. Dayananda commended the partnership, stating, “This initiative is a shining example of how public-private collaborations can drive meaningful change. By empowering women with sustainable livelihoods, we are not only enhancing their economic stability but also promoting greener urban mobility.”
A representative from GE Aerospace emphasized the company’s commitment to social impact, saying, “At GE Aerospace, we believe in leveraging innovation to create opportunities. This program aligns with our vision of building inclusive communities while supporting environmental sustainability.”
United Way Bengaluru echoed the sentiment, highlighting the program’s scalability. *“From six e-rickshaws to 69, this journey reflects the power of collective effort. We are proud to support these women as they pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future,”* said a spokesperson.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Development
The initiative sets a precedent for how corporate-NGO-government partnerships can address pressing social and environmental challenges. By combining livelihood creation with eco-conscious transportation, the program offers a replicable model for other cities aiming to empower marginalized communities while reducing pollution.
With the latest distribution, the program continues to gain momentum, demonstrating that small steps can lead to substantial, lasting impact. As more women take the wheel, the streets of Bengaluru are set to become not just greener, but also more inclusive.
