By Avinash Sonavane
Non-Traditional Livelihood programs are transforming the lives of women, equipping them with skills, confidence, and the independence to thrive. Women are breaking societal barriers, challenging stereotypes, and rising as leaders in fields once dominated by men. Bajaj Finserv through CYDA field initiatives reaching underserved populations, enabling them to acquire new skills and enhance their standard of living.
Meet Sneha Salve, a 21-year-old technician from Nasik, whose determination and courage reflect the struggles of countless young women striving for a better life. Holding an electrical diploma, Sneha faced numerous challenges, including limited job opportunities, lack of specialized skills, and financial instability. Sneha lacked the confidence and resources to find a job that would give her purpose and financial independence. Her journey became one of overcoming challenges, making bold decisions, and realizing the power of skill development. Sneha was not only struggling with the lack of work but also facing the challenge of feeling invisible in a society where young women are often overlooked for technical roles.
In a field dominated by men, the lack of job opportunities, especially for women, made it nearly impossible to build a fulfilling career. Sneha’s dream of becoming financially independent seemed increasingly out of reach. She lacked specialized technical skills that would make her stand out in the competitive job market. Despite being skilled in electrical tasks, she struggled to find employers willing to hire a young woman in the male-dominated industry. Sneha was not only struggling with the lack of work but also facing the challenge of feeling invisible in a society where young women are often overlooked for technical roles. Each rejection weakened her confidence, making her unsure about her future.
Moment of Empowerment
Just when Sneha was about to lose hope, she learnt about the Non-Traditional Livelihood training program offered by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities. The program combined soft skills training with hands-on technical courses, designed to help women gain the confidence and expertise they need to succeed in industries traditionally dominated by men. Sneha’s decision to enroll in CYDA’s program marked the beginning of her transformation. The organization’s focus on providing specialized training for non-traditional careers was exactly what she needed. As part of the program, Sneha participated in two crucial components: soft skills development and technical training in mobile repairing.
Strengthening Skills for Success
The first step in Sneha’s journey was a two-day workshop on soft skills. This training was not just about learning to communicate better—it was about building the self-esteem that many young women lack in a world where their abilities are often underestimated. The soft skills training was designed to prepare participants for the professional world, focusing on key areas like communication, interpersonal skills, and understanding workplace dynamics. For Sneha, this training was crucial. It helped her learn how to present herself with confidence in interviews and workplace settings, overcoming the fear of rejection and doubt that had held her back in the past. By the end of the workshop, Sneha felt empowered and ready to take on any challenge. She learnt how to articulate her value, negotiate with confidence, and understand how to navigate a professional environment.
Mastering Mobile Repairing
The next phase of the program was more practical: a one-month mobile repairing course. Although Sneha already had some background in electrical work, mobile repairing was a completely new and exciting challenge for her. The trainers at CYDA were knowledgeable and encouraging, providing personalized guidance that helped Sneha learn everything from the basics to more advanced techniques of mobile repair. This hands-on approach allowed her to gain real-world skills and confidence in her abilities.
The course was not just about theoretical knowledge—it was practical and engaging. Sneha worked on real devices, repairing phones and learning to troubleshoot a wide range of issues. With every new skill she mastered, Sneha’s sense of accomplishment grew. What started as a simple interest in the technical field soon became a passion. By the end of one month, she had gained the confidence and expertise needed to excel in the growing mobile repair industry.
From Training to Employment
Upon completing the course, CYDA helped Sneha secure a job as a technician at S.K. Mobile Shop in Nasik. The job placement was the culmination of her hard work and CYDA’s support, and it marked a new chapter in her life. Sneha’s monthly salary of Rs.7000/- might not have seemed very high at first, but for her, it was a stepping stone toward personal growth. It meant she could now support herself, contribute to her family, and start planning for her future. Her success came from a mix of soft skills, technical knowledge, and the rightsupport.
A New Beginning
Sneha’s story is a remarkable example of how the right support system, coupled with the willingness to learn, can turn aspirations into reality. She is no longer the uncertain young woman who struggled to find a stable job. Today, Sneha is a proud, confident technician who has the skills and experience to continue growing in her career.
