Ford has officially launched SHE-MOVES (Strengthen Her: Mobilising Ventures for Social Innovation), a programme from Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, the Ford Fund, which supports social enterprises that benefit women and children, and promotes access to sustainable mobility.
SHE-MOVES is administered by the non-profit organisation (NPO) Global Water Challenge, with additional projects launched in partnership with World Vision International and Virginia Commonwealth University. Combining philanthropy with social enterprise incubation models, SHE-MOVES aims to drive positive change in line with five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including: good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and clean energy.
“Through the concept of Whole-Person Leadership, SHE-MOVES provides female entrepreneurs and beneficiaries with opportunities to promote better health, develop tools for critical thinking, and activate their ideas within their communities,” says Neale Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Ford selected a handful of grantees for the inaugural SHE-MOVES programme across Nigeria, South Africa, and India.
According to the 2017 Global Gender Gap report, Nigeria has a serious gender gap to address. In an effort to help narrow this gap, and provide more women with an equal opportunity to flourish in the work environment, SHE-MOVES has awarded a grant to Shuttlers – a woman-owned, app-based, affordable ride-sharing service in Lagos.
The SHE-MOVES Shuttlers Project will provide specialised shuttles along a frequently travelled route, whilst facilitating a customised on-board learning experience for at least 600 women. Over the course of a year, they will have access to mentorship and training by means of mobile devices, to help them develop essential job skills, and enhance their potential for career growth. Riders travel in safe, comfortable, air-conditioned 12-15-seater buses, with free Wi-Fi, and also have the opportunity to network with a community of professionals.
