Bridgestone India's Driver training programme for women and an initiative that trains women in business self-reliance have won Platinum for Empowerment of Women Award and Gold for Excellence in Provision of Literacy & Education Award at the 16th Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2024. Bridgestone Asia Pacific, India, China (BSAPIC), a group company of Bridgestone Corporation had submitted the winning entries that also Included Bridgestone's Green IT Classroom programme in China, Bridgestone's resource centre to support children's education in India, as well as vocational training and apprenticeship programs in Indonesia and Australia respectively. ?Bridgestone is committed to gender equality and is also a signatory to Women's Empowerment Principles developed in 2010, by UN Women and UN Global Compact. At Bridgestone India, this commitment is reflected even in our initiatives towards the communities that we serve. Along with education, an important step in women empowerment is making them financially independent. Our outreach programmes for women are focused on these areas. Being recognized by a global body for these initiatives is indeed an honour. said Mr. Hiroshi Yoshizane Managing Director, Bridgestone India Bridgestone India's Technical Driver Training This programme provided women in Indore, Dhar, Pune the chance to take up driving as a profession, enabling them to break gender and societal stereotypes. During 2023, 206 women completed the training course allowing them to improve earnings and meet demand for women drivers especially among female commuters, families and the elderly. Rural Entrepreneurship Close to Bridgestone's Chakan, Pune plant, more than 50 women have been trained in business self-reliance in endeavours such as producing children's clothes, festive season items and accessories and Bridgestone helped in establishing corporate supplier contracts. The programme sees Bridgestone collaborating with Pune's Organisation for Sustainable & Development Foundation. The 16th Annual Global CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2024 is recognised as one of Asia's most prestigious recognition awards programme for Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance. The programme spotlights and honours companies for their commitment to incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business. This year, more than 250 submissions vied for the top awards in 20 categories.