Bajaj Finserv’s commitment to empowering women through the Non-Traditional Livelihood Program is well recognized. This initiative has been instrumental in creating opportunities for women to overcome societal barriers, pursue unconventional career paths, and achieve their aspirations, writes Siddhant Ghorpade
Neha Bharti, a 23-year-old woman from, Rajarampuri Kolhapur, Maharashtra, grew up in a family that struggled every day to make ends meet. Her family migrated from Bihar to Kolhapur, hoping for better job opportunities. Her father very often fell ill. Neha, being the oldest of five siblings, took on significant responsibilities early in her life. The burden of supporting her family, both financially and emotionally, was on her shoulders. Her father’s recurring health problems made it even harder for the family to stay financially stable. Neha had to balance her responsibilities at home while trying to make a living. Despite her challenges, she never gave up. However, the reality of limited opportunities and the weight of societal expectations often made it seem like those dreams would remain just that—dreams.
The first glimpse of hope
Everything began to change when Neha met Swaraj Shinde, a local mentor who introduced her to the CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program. Neha had heard of similar programs in the past, but the idea of actual training to learn new skills was an eye opener. This was an opportunity she had been waiting for—a chance to build a better future for herself and her family. Neha enrolled in the Soft Skills training program. Initially, she was uncertain about her ability to succeed. Having spent years balancing her household responsibilities and working in low-paying jobs like housekeeping, she doubted her own capabilities. The training was about learning soft skills like communication and financial literacy— and also was about discovering her own potential as well.
The struggles along the way
The challenges she faced were numerous. The most significant challenge was the financial instability that burdened her family. With little income coming in, it was difficult to invest in anything that seemed like a future opportunity. Despite these constraints, Neha pushed forward, attending training sessions while managing her household duties and a job in housekeeping.
Her job as a housekeeper became a source of judgment from her relatives, who often criticizedher work. “You clean toilets,” they would say, lowering her self-worth. These comments took a toll on Neha’s self-esteem, but she refused to let them define her. In her heart, she knew she was doing the best she could, and that the path she was on would lead to something greater.
Another hurdle was the societal perception of women in her community. In a society where traditional roles were deeply established, Neha’s decision to pursue a career outside the norm was met with doubt. Many people around her could not imagine a woman taking up a job as a security guard—a profession that was typically dominated by men. Yet, Neha remained firm. She saw the Security Guard course not only as a career opportunity but as a challenge to the limiting expectations placed on her by society.
A Journey of Transformation
The turning point in Neha’s life came when she completed the Security Guard training and entered the On-the-Job Training (OJT) phase at Pantaloons, a retail store where she gained practical experience. The more she learnt, the more she realized that she was capable of achieving the unthinkable. Her determination paid off when she secured a full-time position as a Security Guard earning Rs.13000/- at City Hospital in Rajarampuri, Kolhapur, on December 7, 2024.
Neha’s new role as a Security Guard brought more than just financial stability. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose and pride. With her monthly income, Neha was able to help her family with medical expenses and manage household needs. For the first time, she felt like she was contributing meaningfully to her family’s well-being.
Neha’s decision to work in a non-traditional job as a woman was groundbreaking. She became an example of how women could break free from traditional societal expectations and create new opportunities for themselves. Her success in the security field helped change the perception of this profession, proving that it was not just a man’s job but a respectable and viable career for women as well.
(The author is Skill Center Head, Kolhapur)
