Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) believes that sustainable business drives superior performance. Their CSR strategy focuses on long-term growth and positive change for people and the planet, aligning with India’s development agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. HUL’s initiatives encompass community development in areas like water conservation, health and hygiene, waste management, regenerative agriculture, skill development, education, gender equality, women empowerment, and rural development.
Emphasising partnerships with social entrepreneurs, HUL integrates sustainability into its business strategy, aiming to protect the environment and promote societal well-being. For more details, visit HUL’s Planet and Society page.
Synopsis of HUL’s select Sustainability and Community Development Programmes
Water Conservation Programme Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) addresses India’s water challenges by improving water security through collaborative efforts with the government, experts, and mission-based organisations. Recognising that 80% of water usage in India is for agriculture, HUF focuses on aiding rural agricultural communities. Operating in 15,000 villages across 13 States and 2 Union Territories, HUF’s strategy includes:
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In Maharashtra’s Dhule district, HUF builds water numeracy with Sanjeevani Institute for Empowerment and Development, helping communities manage groundwater.
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In Chhattisgarh, HUF partners with Transform Rural India Foundation to integrate national programmes, developing sustainable water security models.
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In Rajasthan’s Banswara district, HUF works with Vaagdhara to enhance water accessibility and promote efficient agricultural practices among tribal farmers.
The programme has generated over 3.2 trillion litres of water potential, increased agricultural production and create employment.
Shakti programme
Shakti programme empowers rural women, known as “Shakti Ammas,” by training them in product familiarization, distribution management, and essential business skills. With support from Rural Sales Promoters, these women gain self-confidence, improve communication, and develop entrepreneurial mindsets. Operating across 22 states, the programme includes over 200,000 Shakti Entrepreneurs. They use HUL’s eB2B app, Shikhar, for order placement. Additionally, the programme promotes education, employment, and vocational skills, enhancing livelihoods and women empowerment. Shakti Ammas also receive training on health and nutrition, enabling them to spread awareness and drive social change, reaching over 800,000 households.
Prabhat, Hindustan Unilever Limited’s community development initiative
Prabhat, Hindustan Unilever Limited’s community development initiative, aims to create sustainable and inclusive communities, positively impacting nearly 10 million lives across 21 States and 2 Union Territories over the past decade. It focuses on three key pillars:
Livelihoods
Prabhat’s 18 livelihood centres train women, youth, and vulnerable communities in vocational skills, benefiting 130,000 people and securing employment for over 75,000. Farm-based initiatives support over 24,000 farmers with sustainable agricultural practices.
Health and Nutrition
Aligning with the National Nutrition Mission, Prabhat improves health and nutrition for women and children, benefiting 2.6 million individuals. Mobile medical units provide healthcare to 140,000 people.
Environmental Sustainability
Prabhat implements waste management and water security initiatives, collecting over 700,000 kg of waste and promoting water efficiency in communities.
SAFAL (Skills Academy for Advancement of Livelihoods)
SAFAL (Skills Academy for Advancement of Livelihoods) programme enhances livelihoods by skilling, entrepreneurship, and empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Partnering with NIESBUD, LabourNet, Sarthak Educational Trust, and Cheshire Disability Trust, SAFAL aims to reach 100,000 youth through the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme. The SAFAL Sales Pro Academy trains 5,000 youth and women in frontline sales roles annually, while the Retailer Strengthening Project trains 20,000 young retailers yearly on government schemes to expand their businesses and access credit services.