Vodafone Idea launches a unique safety service for women – Vodafone Sakhi

Vodafone Idea has launched Vodafone Sakhi, a first-of-its kind mobile-based safety service, designed exclusively for women. A bouquet of features including Emergency Alerts, Emergency Balance, and Private Number Recharge, provide safety measures through the mobile connection, to women customers using Vodafone prepaid services across the country. It works across smartphones and feature phones, even without any balance or mobile internet, thus ensuring that the service extends to millions of women in India.

The features include –

Emergency Alerts – In case of emergency and unwanted situations, location alerts can be sent to 10 pre-registered contacts.

Emergency Balance – Offers 10 free minutes to call during emergencies, even with zero talk-time balance in phone

Private Number Recharge – Provides a dummy 10-digit number to ensure privacy of mobile number during recharge at retail outlets.

To become a Vodafone Sakhi member –

· Dial 1800123 100 (toll-free) to activate free-of-cost service

· Register 10 emergency contact numbers

Launching Vodafone Sakhi, P.V. Sindhu, renowned Badminton Star, Olympic medallist, Padma Shri & Arjuna Award Winner, says, “Mobiles have truly transformed the way people engage and interact. I believe that, by extending the benefits of the mobile connection to more women, several safety and security concerns related to their stepping out of familiar geography can be addressed. I encourage all women to become Bold, Brilliant and Brave, explore their areas of interest, travel fearlessly and not succumb to unreasonable societal or familial pressures. Live without inhibition #AbRukeinKyun.”

Avneesh Khosla, Associate Director – Consumer Business, Vodafone Idea, says, “India has over a billion mobile connections and almost half of our population is women. Yet, less than 18% of mobile subscribers are women. Further, most women have access to only feature phones and basic mobile phones. This large gap in mobile access and usage also conveys a lost opportunity to connect and empower more women. With Vodafone Sakhi, we are taking forward our long-term commitment of driving inclusion and addressing real societal problems. This unique, free-of-cost service will make it convenient for women to step out fearlessly and fulfil their aspirations.”

A 360’ National marketing campaign has been unveiled which will drive awareness across the country. The service is being launched through a thematic film, celebrating the overcoming of inhibitions by a young girl with the clarion call – “Ab RukeinKyun?” The film has been created by an all-women crew. Another highlight of the marketing campaign is a special signature song for “Ab RukeinKyun” sung by the very talented and multi award winner Neha Kakkar.