The Indian society is progressing by leaps and bounds, and yet Indian women struggle to pursue careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). A research study claims that there is the highest enrollment of “Women in STEM” in India, but the least conversion of them into the Indian workforce. Hence, there is a dire need to empower Indian women who want to pursue STEM subjects and build careers through them. 

In line with this thought, the trusted global smartphone brand, vivo, announced its latest digital campaign, ‘The Seat – Celebration of Women in STEM’. With this campaign, vivo reaffirms its commitment to empowering women, particularly in the field of STEM education. The digital campaign is an extension of vivo’s ongoing country-wide initiative ‘Women in STEM’. 

Crafted by FCB India, the campaign video highlights the critical need for fostering a supportive environment for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) domains. Through a compelling narrative, it brings forth the hurdles encountered by women aspiring to pursue STEM education and careers, especially those hailing from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. The campaign underscores the imperative of providing equitable opportunities and resources to empower women to realize their full potential in STEM fields.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at vivo India, said, “ At vivo, we envision a world abundant with joy, one that embraces inclusivity and fairness for all. Despite notable strides in Indian society, the stark reality remains that about 86% of Indian women encounter barriers to pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Thus, we provide deserving women financial support and skill development to help them overcome these barriers. The ‘Women in STEM’ initiative is a part of the Ignite CSR program for vivo in India. It underlines our commitment to India and is an endeavour to support deserving women to ascend and be a part of the India growth story. This program helps them with scholarships and mentoring to help them break into the workforce.

This campaign brings to life the story and determination of young women from various parts of India as they undertake a long journey to pursue education and join the workforce.”  

The Digital Video Commercial (DVC) portrays the inspiring journey of young women from various parts of India undertaking a long journey to their dream college while carrying their own chairs with them. Using the powerful metaphor of carrying their own chairs as a symbol of determination to carve out a seat for themselves in premier institutions, the film underscores the importance of creating space for women in STEM education and the professional arena.

Swati Bhattacharya, Creative Chairperson, FCB India said, “Our future will look great only when women play an equal role in it. This film is an ode to the young girls whose grit and determination has taken them to the high ‘ seats’ of education in India. The vivo scholarship works as a catalyst to change their lives forever.”

Under the ‘Women in STEM’ initiative, vivo India offers scholarships to numerous deserving women, facilitating their access to education and opportunities for successful careers. The initiative, in collaboration with the Shooting Stars Foundation, provides financial support, skill development, and job opportunities. ‘Women in STEM’ initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM education and workforce participation. 

About vivo

vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company’s core values, which include Benfen*, design-driven value, user-orientation, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation.

While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of 10 R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an, Taipei, Tokyo and San Diego, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up seven production bases (including brand-authorized manufacturing centers), across China, South- and Southeast Asia, and more regions, with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide.

*“Benfen” is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right – which is the ideal description of vivo’s mission to create value for society.