Who is HCL?

HCL is a leading global technology and IT enterprise and is comprised of HCL Technologies and HCL Infosystems.

What was done?

HCL identified digital literacy for women as one of the primary areas for empowering women in communities. Digital literacy is the key feature in all of HCL’s initiatives for girls and women, with a special emphasis on empowering women digitally through computer education support, internet connectivity with IT labs and regular sessions on using the internet for information sourcing and expansion of knowledge. The iBelieve programme aims to equip women across the world with the right skills, information, and resources to advance, enhance employability, and seek new career aspirations. The iBelieve network enables change through four key programs: iEmpower, iTeach, iSkill and iMotivate. The first two programs are committed towards energizing and enabling 100,000 girls and women by 2020 by equipping them with the right skills, information, and resources to advance personally and professionally. HCL launched “A Mile for Her,” its first campaign under iBelieve in March 2015 to raise awareness on women empowerment through digital literacy and to celebrate the contribution of women in the organization as well as in the lives of others.

What were the outcomes?

HCL's digital literacy projects have improved the quality of living of over 2,900 women by providing IT skills training and finding employment opportunities for women. HCL employees in India and around the world eagerly participated in the “A Mile for Her” Campaign with over 45, 000 showing their support by participating in the campaign between April and May 2015.