Vodafone launches Sakhi Pack in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI:  Telecom operator Vodafone India has launched Sakhi Pack for subscribers in Uttar Pradesh (UP) West and Uttarakhand.

The service was launched in the presence of Rekha Arya, Minister - Women’s Welfare and Child Development and Dilip Kumar Ganta – Business Head, Vodafone UP West Circle.

Vodafone Sakhi is a free of cost service, which enables users to conveniently recharge their mobile phones, without sharing their mobile numbers with retailers. Country’s leading telecom operator, Vodafone had earlier rolled out this service in a test phase and received phenomenal response across the region.

Vodafone Connected Women Report 2014 states that around the world, an estimated 300 million fewer women own a mobile phone than men. This gender gap is the largest in the emerging economies and prevents many women benefiting from mobile services. Added to this are the privacy issues for rural women and hesitancy to share mobile numbers at recharge outlets. With a view to address these concerns of women from rural India, to bring them into the forefront of the Digital revolution and empower them to stay connected with their near and dear ones, Vodafone India has introduced ‘Vodafone Sakhi’, a unique proposition empowering women in rural areas of UP-West and Uttarakhand.

Women consist of 50% of the total population in UP & Uttarakhand but less than 20%of them have a mobile number in their name. To encourage more women to use mobile phone for basic communication needs, Vodafone has taken this initiative that will ensure safety security and empower them on a digital journey

To avail the Vodafone Private Recharge option, a customer needs to send a toll free SMS - 'Private' - to 12604 which allows subscribers to make a Private Recharge through an OTP code, without sharing mobile number. This OTP can also be used for all recharges done over a 24 hour period.

The Emergency calling feature enables seamless connectivity with 10 minutes of calling even with Zero balance in their phone. A bonus feature is FREE Health Tips for the first 90 days. Customers receive a welcome call from the IVR in their local dialect, explaining product features & customer support details.

‘Vodafone Sakhi’ will be available across UP (W) and Uttarakhand. The offer has been affordably priced, starting from Rs 52 only, to cater to women from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Commenting on the Vodafone Sakhi Initiative, Arya, said: “We are very optimistic about the step Vodafone has taken for women security. Vodafone Sakhi recharge pack will provide a safe platform to the women living in rural and urban areas of UP & Uttarakhand to get their mobile recharged and stay connected to their peers whenever needed. We will provide the required support to make this initiative a success”

Announcing the launch of this unique proposition, Ganta, said, “As a part of our constant endeavor to work towards the customer needs, we believe safety and privacy is very important. With the world going digital and smart phones becoming the primary data storage device, security of personal information has become a key concern for people. ‘Vodafone Sakhi’ will help bridge the telecom needs of women in rural areas and addresses their barriers to access mobile services at will. We are very proud to introduce this unique product aimed at empowering women across UP-West. We want the women to use mobile as tool to empower themselves and optimize their efficacy”.

VODAFONE SAKHI PACK