Illuminate Change Program

The problem that Invandre is aiming to address is the pervasive issue of modern slavery and human trafficking, which affects over 50 million people worldwide, with women and children disproportionately impacted. In Mumbai alone, there are over 200,000 commercial sex workers (CSWs) who often face exploitation and limited access to resources and support.

Survivors of modern slavery encounter numerous challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives, including alienation, lack of basic documents, and limited access to financial resources, shelter, and viable employment opportunities. Many organisations are working tirelessly to provide support and resources to survivors, but there remains a critical gap in scalable and tech-focused solutions to address their needs effectively.

Invandre's solution, the Illuminate Change Program, seeks to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to empower sex workers with economic opportunities. The mobile app connects sex workers indirectly with consumers interested in ethically sourced soy wax melts, providing them with a sustainable means of income and financial independence. By utilising technology, Invandre aims to increase efficiency, impact, and accessibility to resources for survivors of modern slavery, ultimately enabling them to thrive in society.

Key factors from the problem statement that relate to Invandre's solution include the need for scalable and tech-focused solutions to support survivors, the importance of providing economic opportunities for empowerment, and the significance of addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalised communities, such as limited access to resources and employment opportunities. Through the Illuminate Change Program, Invandre seeks to address these factors by harnessing the power of technology to create a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that supports the economic empowerment and social integration of sex workers and survivors of modern slavery.

The Illuminate Change Program is a tech-driven initiative aimed at empowering sex workers by providing them with economic opportunities through the production and sale of ethically sourced soy wax melts. At its core, the program involves the development of a user-friendly mobile app that revolutionises the way orders are made, quality tested, placed, processed, and fulfilled.

The app serves as a digital marketplace where consumers interested in purchasing soy wax melts can place orders indirectly with sex workers located in selected Red Light Areas. Through the app, commercial sex workers have the flexibility to accept orders, manage inventory, and process transactions, all from the convenience of their smartphones. This eliminates the need for manual order processing and streamlines the entire supply chain process.

To ensure the quality and consistency of the products, the app includes a comprehensive training session on the manufacturing process of soy wax melts. This training equips sex workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to produce high-quality products that meet customer expectations. Additionally, the app utilises AI-driven algorithms to match customer demand with the available supply of soy wax melts, optimising production efficiency and minimising waste. Finally, the product is delivered using a fleet of electric vehicles. 

By leveraging technology, the Illuminate Change Program enables sex workers to access new income-generating opportunities and achieve financial independence. Moreover, the scalability of the app allows for easy expansion to additional Red Light Areas and the potential to include other products such as candles, diffusers, and gift boxes in the future. Ultimately, the app empowers sex workers to take control of their economic destinies.

In developing the Illuminate Change Program, ethical and responsible use of technology is paramount, particularly given the utilisation of AI-driven algorithms in the mobile app. We recognise the potential risks associated with AI technology, including privacy and security concerns, as well as ethical implications, and shall implement several measures to ensure the ethical and responsible use of technology in our work.

First and foremost, privacy and security are central to our approach. We will implement robust data protection measures to safeguard the personal information of both sex workers and consumers using the app. This will include encryption protocols to secure sensitive data and stringent access controls to limit unauthorised access to user information. Additionally, we adhere to all relevant data protection regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with best practices in privacy and security.

To mitigate the potential risks associated with AI, particularly in terms of algorithmic bias and discrimination, we will take proactive steps to ensure fairness and transparency in our AI-driven processes. This includes regular auditing and testing of our algorithms to identify and address any biases that may emerge. Moreover, we will implemented mechanisms for users to provide feedback and report any concerns related to the app's functionality or decision-making processes.

Another key risk that we shall address is the ethical implications of the solution, particularly as it relates to the involvement of CSWs. We recognise the importance of protecting the dignity and autonomy of sex workers and have implemented measures to ensure that they are treated with respect and agency throughout the process. This includes providing comprehensive training on their rights and responsibilities as participants in the program, as well as mechanisms for them to opt-in or opt-out of certain activities based on their individual preferences and circumstances. Draft MOU's and Contracts are currently being drawn up by lawyers in both sides for approval. 

In terms of scalability, we have considered the potential policy implications of expanding the program to additional regions or populations. We are committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community representatives, to ensure that our solution aligns with existing regulations and policies governing labor rights, ethical business practices, and human rights.

One of the critical measures we have implemented to protect the identities of women working in the initiative is the use of pseudonyms or anonymised identifiers within the app. This ensures that sex workers cannot be personally identified by consumers or other users of the platform, thus preserving their privacy and security. Additionally, all applicants to the program are processed through an NGO partner, who acts as a trusted third party responsible for vetting and verifying the eligibility of participants.

The target population for the Illuminate Change Program comprises sex workers, particularly those located in selected Red Light Areas, whose lives we are working to directly and meaningfully improve. These individuals are often marginalized and underserved, facing numerous challenges such as economic insecurity, social stigma, and limited access to resources and opportunities.

Many sex workers in these communities are trapped in a cycle of exploitation and poverty, often entering the industry due to circumstances such as fake marriages, coercion, or lack of alternative employment options. Additionally, a significant portion of sex workers are illiterate and lack formal education, further limiting their opportunities for economic advancement.

Currently, sex workers in Mumbai earn significantly below the poverty line which contributes to their vulnerability and abuse. The Illuminate Change Program aims to address this issue by providing sex workers with an alternative source of income that enables them to earn a sustainable livelihood and reduce their reliance on sex work.

Through the mobile app, sex workers will have the opportunity to produce and sell ethically sourced soy wax melts directly to consumers, thereby generating income that exceeds the target of 500 Rs per day. By providing sex workers with access to economic opportunities outside of the sex industry, the solution aims to empower them to break free from cycles of exploitation and poverty.

Moreover, the program recognises the specific vulnerabilities faced by older sex workers, particularly those over the age of 35 who may have limited options for alternative employment. By offering training and support tailored to their needs, the program seeks to ensure that all sex workers, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to improve their lives and achieve financial independence.

Our team at Illuminate Change Program is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our deep understanding of and proximity to the communities we serve, particularly sex workers in Mumbai's Red Light Areas. Led by our CEO, who has over 10 years of experience working in the social sector in Mumbai, we have a proven track record of designing and implementing impactful interventions that address the needs of marginalised communities.

Our CEO's extensive experience includes previous work with sex workers through an established NGO partner, where he provided small business training and support. This firsthand experience has allowed him to develop meaningful relationships with sex workers and gain insights into their challenges, aspirations, and needs. Additionally, our CEO has worked with other disadvantaged groups, including farmers, through initiatives such as Krishi Star, a farmer-owned brand aimed at empowering small-scale farmers.

Our team is not only led by individuals with direct experience working with sex workers and other marginalised communities but is also representative of these communities. We prioritise diversity and inclusion within our team, ensuring that our members come from a variety of backgrounds and have lived experiences that reflect those of the communities we serve. This diversity allows us to bring a range of perspectives and insights to the design and implementation of our solution.

Furthermore, the design and implementation of the Illuminate Change Program are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We believe in a participatory approach that involves engaging with community members throughout the process, from needs assessment to program evaluation. Through focus group discussions, community meetings, and individual consultations, we actively seek input from sex workers and other stakeholders to ensure that our solution is responsive to their needs and priorities.

By leveraging our team's expertise, experience, and proximity to the communities we serve, we are confident in our ability to design and deliver a solution that effectively addresses the needs of sex workers in Mumbai's Red Light Areas.

We selected the Prototype stage for our project as we have already made significant progress in laying the groundwork for the Illuminate Change Program. To date, we have achieved tangible milestones and conducted essential groundwork to ensure the success of our initiative.

Firstly, we have identified and established a partnership with a reputable NGO that works closely with sex workers in Mumbai's Red Light Areas. Through this partnership, we have conducted small business training sessions with 20 CSWs across two of their locations. This training has provided valuable insights into the needs, challenges, and aspirations of sex workers, informing the design and development of our solution.

In addition to training sessions, we have prototyped the final product of our solution and completed graphic designs for branding and packaging. Our website is also live, providing a platform for outreach, information dissemination, and future e-commerce capabilities. These efforts have laid the foundation for the rollout of our mobile app, which will serve as the primary interface between sex workers and consumers.

Furthermore, we have conducted extensive market research to understand consumer preferences, market demand, and competitive landscape for soy wax melts. This research has informed our product development strategy and pricing model, ensuring that our solution meets the needs and expectations of both sex workers and consumers.

Moreover, we have identified resources and partnerships for production and distribution of soy wax melts, ensuring scalability and sustainability of our initiative. By leveraging existing networks and infrastructure, we can streamline production processes and optimise resource utilisation, ultimately maximizing our impact and reach.

In summary, our progress in the Prototype stage of the project demonstrates our commitment to thorough planning, stakeholder engagement, and groundwork. We have built strong foundations for the Illuminate Change Program, laying the groundwork for future growth and impact. With our prototype in place and essential partnerships established, we are poised to move forward with confidence and momentum towards our goal of empowering sex workers and transforming livelihoods.

We are applying to the Challenge to access the resources and support needed to overcome specific barriers that we face in scaling our Illuminate Change Program. While we have made significant progress in laying the groundwork for our initiative, we recognise that there are financial, technical, and market barriers that need to be addressed to fully realise our vision and to scale.

Financially, one of our primary challenges is securing working capital to fund the production and distribution of soy wax melts at scale. The Challenge can help us overcome this barrier by providing access to funding and investment opportunities, enabling us to expand our operations and reach more sex workers in need. Additionally, the Challenge can support us in accessing technical expertise and resources to optimise production processes and improve efficiency, reducing costs and maximising impact.

Legally, we may encounter regulatory and compliance challenges as we navigate the complex landscape of labor rights, ethical business practices, and human rights. The Challenge can provide us with legal support and guidance to ensure that our operations are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks and ensuring compliance.

Culturally, we may face stigma and resistance from various stakeholders, including sex workers, consumers, and community members. The Challenge can help us overcome cultural barriers by providing support for community engagement and awareness-building initiatives, fostering acceptance and understanding of our solution within the target population.

In terms of marketing, we recognise the importance of effectively promoting our initiative to both sex workers and consumers. The Challenge can support us in developing and implementing marketing strategies tailored to our target audience, including digital marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and community outreach efforts. Additionally, the Challenge can provide access to market research and insights to inform our marketing strategy and optimise our messaging for maximum impact.

Moreover, our partnership with the NGO brings unique opportunities for collaboration and support. The Challenge grant can provide valuable assistance in procuring machinery, materials and equipment to improve efficiency, as well as in the development of new products and essences based on market demand and consumer preferences. 

Our solution, the Illuminate Change Program, is innovative in several key ways: 

Firstly, our solution takes a novel approach to economic empowerment by leveraging the power of technology to connect sex workers directly with consumers interested in purchasing ethically sourced soy wax melts. Unlike traditional employment or income-generation programs, which may involve intermediaries or middlemen, our solution empowers sex workers to become entrepreneurs in their own right, bypassing traditional barriers to entry and enabling them to access new income-generating opportunities.

Furthermore, our solution is designed to catalyse broader positive impacts by setting new standards for ethical and sustainable business practices within the market. InVandre melts are eco-friendly, paraffin-free, and made with sustainable soy wax and luxury fragrances. We also use hand-decorated dried flowers recycled from temple garlands, ensuring that our production processes are environmentally responsible and socially conscious. Additionally, our packaging is 100% recyclable, can be repurposed, and is plastic-free, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. We intend to deliver the final products using a fleet of electric vehicles to further reduce the burden on the environment. All of these elements combined will ensure that the business has a light touch on the environment and its precious resources.  

By prioritising ethical sourcing, eco-conscious production, and sustainable packaging, our solution not only meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly products but also sets a precedent for ethical business practices within the market. As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability and social responsibility, our solution has the potential to change the market landscape by driving demand for ethical products and influencing industry standards.

Moreover, our solution has the potential to transform the lives of sex workers and their communities by providing them with a sustainable source of income and economic independence. By empowering sex workers to become entrepreneurs and participate in the formal economy, our solution not only improves their livelihoods but also helps to reduce their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

By leveraging technology, embracing sustainability, and prioritising social impact, our solution has the potential to catalyse broader positive impacts within the market and transform the lives of sex workers and their communities. As individuals and companies engage in gifting with a social cause, our solution represents a new paradigm for conscious consumerism and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Our theory of change for the Illuminate Change Program is based on the belief that providing sex workers with economic opportunities and entrepreneurship training can empower them to improve their livelihoods and break free from cycles of exploitation and poverty.

Our activities focus on two main components: providing entrepreneurship training and facilitating access to income-generating opportunities through the production and sale of ethically sourced soy wax melts.

The entrepreneurship training component involves equipping sex workers with the knowledge and skills needed to start and manage their own businesses. Drawing on my past training experience, which has enabled several micro-entrepreneurs in similar contexts, we provide sex workers with practical training on topics such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and customer service. By building their capacity to run successful businesses, we empower sex workers to take control of their economic destinies and pursue alternative livelihoods outside of the sex industry.

Simultaneously, we facilitate access to income-generating opportunities through the production and sale of InVandre soy wax melts. By leveraging technology, we connect sex workers directly with consumers interested in purchasing ethically sourced products. This creates a sustainable market demand for the melts, providing sex workers with a steady source of income that exceeds the target of 500 Rs per day.

Our theory of change is underpinned by the recognition that sex workers are often talented individuals who lack access to basic opportunities afforded to others. Through our solution, we aim to address this gap by providing sex workers with the tools, resources, and support they need to harness their talents and achieve economic independence.

In the short term, we expect our activities to result in immediate outputs such as increased knowledge and skills among sex workers, as well as the production and sale of soy wax melts. In the longer term, we anticipate broader outcomes such as improved financial stability, increased agency and empowerment, and reduced vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

This theory of change is supported by evidence from past training initiatives and research demonstrating the effectiveness of entrepreneurship training in empowering marginalised populations to improve their livelihoods. Additionally, our approach is informed by data and insights gathered from interviews and consultations with sex workers, ensuring that our activities are responsive to their needs and priorities. Through our solution, we aim to create lasting positive change for sex workers in Mumbai and eventually across India. 

Our impact goals for this Program are centred around empowering sex workers in Mumbai's Red Light Areas to achieve economic independence, improve their livelihoods, and break free from cycles of exploitation and poverty. Our overarching goal is to create a transformational impact on the lives of sex workers and their communities, fostering resilience, agency, and empowerment.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we track several key indicators across different areas of our work:

1. Number of NGOs collaborating with: We measure the expansion of our partnerships with NGOs working in Red Light Areas, as each partnership represents an opportunity to reach and empower more sex workers.

2. Number of women enrolled in the program: We track the number of sex workers who participate in our entrepreneurship training sessions and engage with our mobile app platform to produce and sell soy wax melts.

3. Revenue generated by workers: We measure the income earned by sex workers through the sale of InVandre soy wax melts, aiming to exceed the target of 500 Rs per day for each participant.

4. Units of melts produced: We monitor the quantity of soy wax melts produced by sex workers, assessing production efficiency and scalability of our solution.

5. Units sold: We track the number of units sold to consumers through our mobile app platform, indicating market demand and consumer acceptance of our products.

6. Impact on well-being: We assess the impact of our solution on the overall well-being of sex workers, including improvements in financial stability, mental health, and social support networks.

7. Market penetration: We measure the reach and penetration of our solution within the target market, including geographic coverage and customer demographics.

8. Sustainability of operations: We evaluate the long-term sustainability of our solution by monitoring key financial and operational metrics, such as cost-effectiveness, revenue growth, and scalability.

By tracking these indicators, we are able to assess our progress towards our impact goals and make informed decisions to tailor our approach and maximise our impact. Additionally, we regularly solicit feedback from sex workers, consumers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our solution remains responsive to their needs and priorities, fostering continuous improvement and innovation. Through our commitment to rigorous measurement and evaluation, we aim to create meaningful and lasting change.

The core technology that powers the Illuminate Change Program is a user-friendly mobile application that connects sex workers (Community Support Workers or CSWs) with consumers interested in purchasing ethically sourced soy wax melts under the InVandre brand. This application serves as the backbone of our solution, facilitating communication, transactions, and empowerment for both sex workers and consumers.

At its heart, our mobile application harnesses the power of modern technology to address age-old challenges faced by sex workers. While candle making is an age-old craft, we are bringing this traditional practice into the modern era by leveraging mobile technology to streamline training, production, replenishment, distribution, and sales processes.

The application features two distinct interfaces: one for CSWs and another for customers. For CSWs, the application provides a platform to access orders, manage inventory, and track sales. Through the application, CSWs can accept orders, hand-pour and decorate soy wax melts, and process transactions with ease, all from the convenience of their smartphones. This empowers CSWs to become entrepreneurs in their own right, taking control of their economic destinies and breaking free from cycles of exploitation.

On the customer side, the application provides a user-friendly interface for browsing products, placing orders, and providing feedback. Customers can explore a variety of ethically sourced soy wax melts under the InVandre brand, each handcrafted by CSWs with care and attention to detail. By connecting indirectly with sex workers, customers can purchase products with confidence, knowing that their purchases are making a positive impact on the lives of marginalised communities.

Overall, our mobile application serves as a catalyst for empowerment, enabling sex workers to access new income-generating opportunities and participate in the formal economy. 

1 - CEO FT

1 - Director FT

2 - Digital Marketing PT

1 - Warehouse PT

1 - Driver PT

2 - CSW Coordinators PT (NGO staff)

1 - Lawyer - PT 

1 - CA - PT 

We have been working on this solution for 6 months, the CEO has been working with the stakeholders for 24 months. 

At InVandre, we currently have 50% of the team from the LGBT community. We prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our team's composition and culture. We recognise that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are essential for driving innovation and effectively addressing the complex challenges we aim to tackle.

To ensure diversity within our team, we actively recruit and seek out individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and sexual orientations. We believe that a diverse team fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and enables us to better understand and serve the diverse communities we aim to impact.

Additionally, we strive to minimise barriers to opportunity for staff by creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing equal access to professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and advancement pathways for all team members, regardless of background or identity. We also prioritise work-life balance and flexibility to accommodate diverse needs and responsibilities outside of work by including work from home positions. 

Furthermore, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members. This involves promoting open communication, active listening, and respect for differing opinions and perspectives. We prioritise creating spaces where all team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives.

Our CEO has spent more than 25 years creating and working in inclusive environments both in the corporate and start-up worlds. To reinforce our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, he regularly facilitates training and workshops focused on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. These initiatives help to raise awareness, build empathy, and promote understanding among team members, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

Overall, our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral to our team's success and our ability to effectively deliver on our mission. By prioritising diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we ensure that all team members have the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique talents and perspectives towards achieving our shared goals.

Our business model at InVandre is designed to create value for both the populations we serve and our revenue streams. We aim to provide high-quality, ethically sourced soy wax melts infused with luxury perfumes, targeting both individual consumers and corporate clients interested in socially conscious gifting options.

For our customers we offer a range of products and services that meet their desire for ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, and luxurious home fragrance products. Our soy wax melts stand out in the market due to our pioneering addition of luxury perfumes, which elevates the sensory experience for our customers. By combining the benefits of sustainable soy wax with top-quality blended oils and hand-decorated dried flowers recycled from temple garlands, we offer a unique and premium product that appeals to discerning consumers seeking both quality and social impact.

We provide these products through our online platform and mobile application, which offer convenient access to our full range of products and services. Customers can browse, purchase and order directly through our user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

Our target market for corporate gifting represents a significant growth opportunity, as there is currently a gap in the market for ethically sourced and socially conscious gift options. By offering a range gift packages featuring our luxury soy wax melts, we aim to position ourselves as the go-to choice for corporate clients looking to make a positive impact through their gifting initiatives.

In addition to generating revenue through product sales, we also aim to create a luxury brand in soy wax melts that supports the community of sex workers in Mumbai. A portion of the proceeds from our sales will be reinvested back into the community, providing financial support and opportunities for economic empowerment for CSWs who hand-pour and decorate our melts.

Overall, our business model aligns our revenue-generating activities with our social impact goals, creating a sustainable and scalable approach to driving positive change for both our customers and the communities we serve. By offering high-quality products with a compelling social mission, we aim to build a loyal customer base and establish InVandre as a leader in the ethical home fragrance and corporate gifting market.

Securing the MIT Solve grant would be a pivotal step in rapidly scaling our company and advancing our mission of empowering sex workers. The grant would enable us to allocate funds towards critical areas such as training CSWs, purchasing equipment, and marketing expenditures.

With the grant funding, we would invest in comprehensive training programs for CSWs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to produce high-quality soy wax melts under the InVandre brand. Additionally, we would allocate resources towards procuring equipment and materials necessary for production, ensuring efficiency and scalability of our operations.

A significant portion of the grant funds would be dedicated to marketing initiatives aimed at raising awareness of our products and expanding our customer base. This would include digital marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and targeted outreach efforts to corporate clients interested in socially conscious gifting options.

In terms of revenue streams, our primary source of income is through the sale of our luxury soy wax melts to both individual consumers and corporate clients. Our business model operates on a sustainable basis, with margins averaging around 68% after allocating a 50 Rs donation to each CSW per pack sold. This donation not only supports the livelihoods of CSWs but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.

Our startup costs have been bootstrapped, allowing us to operate leanly and efficiently. We have the flexibility to grow organically through business-to-consumer (B2C) channels or rapidly through corporate orders, where a 50% advance payment is typically required. One corporate order for 500 customers, with an average spend of 3000 Rs, can generate enough income over a 30-day period for five CSWs involved in production to be incentivised to leave sex work completely. Our initial target is to receive one corporate order per month alongside our B2C market. 

The profitability of our business model allows for reinvestment in the development of new fragrances, training of additional CSWs, and onboarding new NGOs into our network. By continuously innovating and expanding our product offerings, we can attract new customers and increase our market share, further driving revenue growth and social impact.

Securing the MIT Solve grant would provide the necessary resources to accelerate the growth of our initiative and achieve our mission of empowering sex workers through sustainable economic opportunities. With a focus on revenue generation and social impact, we are well-positioned to create lasting change and transform the lives of marginalised communities in Mumbai and beyond.