Sunday 6 March 2016

Breaking Stereotypes: Amazon builds ‘Women Only’ delivery hubs

Managing package delivery is traditionally considered as a man’s job, but Amazon India is all set to break this gender stereotype by launching exclusive ‘women only’ delivery hubs.

Male-Dominated No More

After its research revealed that women are interested to carry out deliveries,Amazon launched the pilot project in Kerala, in January and the second all-female delivery station in Chennai on March 3rd.
In these stations, women handle every task, be it sorting, delegating or delivering orders.
“Our vision is to create opportunities for individuals to realise their potential and transform their lives. We are committed to use our resources and infrastructure of innovation and technology to support the women in our country 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 help women across communities attain financial independence in life,” sharedSamuel Thomas, Director, Transportation at Amazon India.

Key features of this project:

  • Women delivery executives will cover 2-3 kms radius from the delivery station on two-wheelers
  • Will deliver approximately 40 packages a day
  • No pay gap – equal pay for equal work , same as male employees
  • 7am to 7pm work shift
  • 20 women have been trained under this project so far
  • Ability to ride two-wheelers, read and write in English are the basic qualifications required

Safety precautions

We have heard & read several delivery nightmare stories. Therefore, it is justified to be concerned about the safety of women working at these delivery hubs.
Addressing the above mentioned concern, Thomas revealed, “Taking into consideration safety measures, they have a work window between 7 am to 7 pm and there is a helpline number that these associates can dial in anytime for support.”

Positive response

Divya Syam, one of the delivery station managers expressed her gratitude, “I am glad that Amazon.in 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.”
This is a great initiative by Amazon. It is not only creating equal employment opportunities for women, but also filling the huge delivery network gap.


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