Deloitte aims to help 10 million women

Big Four firm Deloitte has launched a global initiative in India which aims to support 10 million women through education and skills over the next decade

Launching the programme, named WorldClass, in New Delhi last week, the firm said the program will focus on improving girls’ retention rate in school, higher educational outcomes, and skills development for women to access employment.

It hopes to reach a total of 50 million people by 2030, by providing them access to “the education and skills required to find meaningful work in the new economy”.

The goal to support a total of 10 million girls and women in India over the next decade will be enabled by long-term partnerships with organisations that are driving transformational change in rural and urban areas, the firm explained.

It added its programme in India will invest in “high impact” solutions, promoting cross-sector collaboration with corporates, government, and nonprofits to close the skills gap.

Punit Renjen, global CEO at Deloitte, said, “The world is on the brink of a seismic shift with the emergence of the Industry 4.0 wave, and to thrive in it, we must work together so that no one is left behind. This will enable more people to access opportunities and the communities where they live to prosper.”

According to Renjen, across India, almost 40% of girls aged 15-18 years drop out of school and college, and only 26% of women are employed.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact and create pathways for women of all ages to fulfil their aspirations,” he added.