Herbalife and Shishu Mandir launch “Eco-Wheels Women's Initiative”, Empowering 115 women with e-autos

Bengaluru, July 9, 2024: Herbalife, in partnership with Shishu Mandir, launched the "Eco-Wheels Women's Initiative" at an event held in Bengaluru, marking a significant step towards women's empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, presented 50 E-Autos to the beneficiaries. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mrs. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA of Mahadevapura Constituency, and Dr. Hella Mundhra, Founder of Shishu Mandir.

The "Eco-Wheels Women's Initiative" aims to support marginalized women by providing opportunities for economic independence and skill development. The beneficiaries of the E-Auto project are women who have endured severe abuse or abandonment, are widowed, or struggle to provide even the necessities for their children. These resilient women include single mothers, spouses of alcoholics and abusers, and those living below the poverty line without adequate shelter.

Ajay Khanna reaffirmed Herbalife’s unwavering support for Shishu Mandir’s mission, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and impactful CSR initiatives. Beneficiaries of the program shared their transformative experiences, highlighting how the initiative has helped them gain economic independence and uplift themselves from below-poverty conditions.

Herbalife, known globally for its charitable initiatives, has sponsored 115 e-autos. The support extends beyond vehicles, as they have also sponsored the training of 50 female drivers, helping them secure their licenses. Additionally, Herbalife has supported school children with essential items such as T-shirts, water bottles, and boxes, easing the financial strain on their families.

Speaking on this partnership, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director of Herbalife India, said, "At Herbalife, our commitment to elevate communities through our CSR initiatives is deeply personal. Each project brings us closer to the impact we aspire to create. The Eco Wheels Women initiative stands out for its dual focus, as it empowers women and embraces environmental sustainability. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity, and this project enables over 115 women and LGBTQ individuals, providing them with economic stability and independence. By introducing electric autos for last-mile connectivity, we reduce emissions and noise pollution, aligning with government efforts to promote electric vehicles. As we celebrate 25 years in India, we remain dedicated to launching more projects that uplift families from poverty and encourage positive change in the community.”

Anand C, Director of Shishu Mandir, added, “Our E-Auto program represents a beacon of hope for marginalized women and transgender individuals. The transformation we witness in these individuals is profound, moving from desperation to dignity and self-reliance. Herbalife's unwavering support has been instrumental in this journey, and together, we are creating lasting change. Our partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving social impact and community empowerment. We look forward to continuing this journey and touching more lives in the future."

Since the program's inception on April 13, 2022, eight batches of E-Auto drivers have been trained, with each batch growing in number. Shishu Mandir’s social workers meticulously verify each application, ensuring that only those truly in need receive support. Rigorous training sessions follow, beginning with car simulator exercises and progressing to hands-on practice with skilled trainers. Once on the road, continuous support ensures compliance with program requirements, and regular upkeep workshops maintain the E-Autos in good condition. Over 87 women now proudly drive these E-Autos, embodying the success of a program that nurtures their holistic needs through an ongoing support network.