
Basavva (Opens in new modal)
Customer Service Associate
Unilever Hindustan Unilever Limited Change location
India faces a significant employability gap with educated youth lacking necessary skills. Additionally, the female labour force participation rate was just 32.8% in 2022, much lower than that of men. While the India Skills Report 2024 notes an improvement in employability to 51.25%, disparities persist across states and demographics. Addressing this gap requires a multifaceted approach. Initiatives like SAFAL (Skills Academy for Advancement of Livelihoods) are vital, as they engage with communities and provide tailored support to improve livelihoods. SAFAL helps build India's more skilled and resilient workforce by focusing on marginalised groups and promoting inclusive growth.
In early 2020, India faced an unprecedented employment crisis. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic devastated livelihoods nationwide, especially in rural and marginalised communities. The massive economic downturn worsened pre-existing employment challenges, such as low employability and limited job opportunities.
This urgent scenario called for immediate intervention to address the gaps in skills and livelihoods, prompting Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) to initiate the Skills Academy for Advancement of Livelihoods (SAFAL). Initially launched as a pilot, SAFAL emerged as a beacon of hope. Focused on empowering youth and marginalised groups, including women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), SAFAL aims to bridge India’s employability gap through skilling, entrepreneurship, job strengthening, and supportive infrastructure development.
SAFAL is now a core component of HUL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, targeting 21 states and 78 aspirational districts across India. It addresses both the immediate challenges of employability and longer-term sustainability by preparing a workforce for the future.
HUL hosted a series of three design thinking workshops involving internal and external stakeholders to address the critical employment issues faced by India’s youth. Through these workshops, SAFAL’s framework was built to provide targeted training, encourage entrepreneurship, and establish pathways to sustainable livelihoods for the youth, including those with disabilities. This collaborative approach resulted in partnerships with six organisations with proven expertise in youth training, job placement, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure support. These partnerships allow SAFAL to provide tailored, need-based training that leverages digital and in-person learning models.
SAFAL collaborates with partners like Cheshire Disability Trust (CDT), Sarthak Educational Trust, Labournet Liivelihood Foundation (LLF), American India Foundation (AIF), Haqdarshak Empowerment Solutions Private Limited (HESPL) and National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). In FY 2022-23, SAFAL impacted key areas like skilling, entrepreneurship, and income generation, fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment.
Each partner contributes unique resources, knowledge, and expertise that align with the SAFAL mission. From specialised training to business formalisation and financial inclusion, these organisations work collaboratively to ensure that the SAFAL program is well-rounded and meets the specific needs of India’s diverse demographic groups. This multifaceted approach enhances the SAFAL initiative's impact, allowing it to address both immediate and long-term employment needs.
The success of the SAFAL pilot prompted HUL to scale the program nationwide, aiming to build a skilled workforce that is equipped for the future. In its larger implementation phase, SAFAL continues to adapt to the evolving employment landscape, ensuring that India’s youth have access to the skills, opportunities, and support needed to thrive in a competitive job market.
In conclusion, while challenges persist in India's employment landscape, concerted efforts by corporate initiatives like SAFAL, in conjunction with national programs and policies, are essential to bridge the employability gap.
Through SAFAL, HUL demonstrates how strategic CSR initiatives can address critical societal challenges. By building partnerships, offering need-based training, and prioritising inclusivity, SAFAL contributes meaningfully to India’s employment ecosystem, empowering a new generation of workers and entrepreneurs poised to lead the way in the post-pandemic world.
Customer Service Associate
Customer Support Executive
“The HUL SAFAL program's Digital Productivity course has been life-changing. Despite initial challenges with the technical aspects, the supportive instructors and hands-on projects helped me gain confidence. Thanks to clear, accessible training on the UNICEF platform and excellent placement support, I secured a job as a Customer Support Executive."
Customer Associate
"The HUL SAFAL program’s Digital Productivity course on the UNICEF platform has truly transformed my life. Initially nervous about entering a technical field, the supportive instructors and hands-on projects built my confidence. After completing the course, I secured a job as a Customer Associate. This has made a big difference for my family. I'm deeply grateful to Labournet and HUL for their guidance and support throughout this journey.”
Entrepreneur
“I always thought of starting a business but didn’t know where to begin. The SAFAL Initiative of HUL has completely transformed my life. My business is now thriving, allowing me to support both my family and the families of my workers. I am truly grateful to the NIESBUD and HUL teams for their unwavering support. I’m proud to be self-reliant and excited about the future.”
Entrepreneur
“As a young entrepreneur, the SAFAL initiative, through the SANKALP EDP Programme, has made my journey much easier. The guidance and support has given me the confidence to independently start my own manufacturing enterprise. I hope more young individuals can benefit from the SAFAL Initiative of HUL and begin their entrepreneurial journeys with the same support.”
Operations Executive
“As a hearing-impaired individual, my journey with the SAFAL Program has transformed my life. Working at a reputed airlines for the past year has given my life new meaning, allowing me to support my family as the primary earner. I'm truly grateful to the Sarthak and HUL teams for their unwavering support. I now have the confidence to travel independently from Gaya to Guwahati. I am proud to be self-dependent and excited for what the future holds.”