Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has the power to transform lives, turning adversity into opportunity. This is the story of Parveen Shaik, a 26-year-old from Bhavani Peth, whose journey reflects both hardship and hope. Life’s challenges tested her strength, but with the support of Alliance Bristen and a skill development program by CYDA, she found a way to rebuild. What seemed like an uncertain future was reshaped into a path of empowerment, proving that the right support at the right time can change lives in unimaginable ways.
Praveen’s life has been a series of struggles. With a limited education of 7th standard, she lives with her sister and grandmother. Married at the young age of 24 to a welder, her life took a difficult turn as her husband struggled with alcoholism. Instead of support, he became a source of instability, failing to provide for Parveen and her family. Adding to their burdens, Parveen’s grandmother was diagnosed with blood cancer, and the responsibility for her medical expenses fell squarely on Parveen’s shoulders.
Just 15 days ago, tragedy struck again. Parveen’s husband passed away due to complications from alcoholism. The loss, compounded by the circumstances surrounding it, was devastating. Left to navigate her grief and provide for her family, Praveen took on the task of becoming the sole breadwinner. For the past three days, she has been working as a security guard assistant at a mall near Pune Station, earning a monthly salary of ₹20,500.
Amidst this turmoil, a ray of hope emerged. Through community outreach efforts, Parveen learned about the CYDA NTL (Non-Traditional Livelihoods) program. Recognizing the potential for a better future, she enrolled in the program and attended a crucial 5-day soft skills training session. This training proved to be a turning point in Parveen’s life. It provided her with a safe space to process her grief, understand her strengths, and build her confidence. For the first time, she began to see possibilities beyond her current circumstances.
The soft skills training empowered Parveen to make a significant decision: to pursue a career in a non-traditional sector. This newfound confidence, coupled with the desire for greater stability and earning potential, led her to enrolled in a 5-day training program for security guard assistants. This focused training equipped her with the specific skills needed for her new role, further solidifying her path toward financial independence.
Parveen’s story is a powerful example of how skill development programs can empower women to overcome adversity and create a brighter future. The CYDA NTL program, with its focus on both soft and hard skills, has provided Parveen with the tools she needs to navigate her challenges and build a more stable life for herself and her family. The soft skills training helped her to understand her own potential, build her confidence, and make informed decisions about her career path. The hard skills training then provided her with the practical knowledge and abilities necessary to succeed in her chosen field.
Parveen’s journey is far from over, but she now has the strength and skills to face whatever comes her way. She is an inspiration to other women facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Her story highlights the importance of organizations like CYDA, which are working to empower women and create opportunities for them to thrive. Parveen’s journey, from grief to grit, is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and the transformative power of education and skill development.
By Swati Shirtar (The author is program manager at CYDA)
