Bajaj Finserv plays a crucial role in empowering women to step into non-traditional livelihoods, enabling them to achieve financial independence and self-reliance. Mr.Ravindra Maghade, Field Executive, Ahilyanagar writes about how the project is developing gender equality and empowerment.
In a world where economic disparity often limits opportunities, many women face societal expectations that restrict their potential. Gender roles often determine the course of a woman’s life, confining them to certain jobs and responsibilities. However, the transformative power of education and skills-building programs is breaking these barriers.
Join us in exploring how Komal’s courage, coupled with CYDA’s unwavering support, brought a remarkable change in her life. The program did not just teach her how to secure a job; it empowered her to pursue a career in a traditionally male-dominated field and challenged societal norms along the way.
Be inspired by her journey and discover how you too can overcome any challenge and transform your life!
Komal, a 23-year-old young woman from Balika Ashram Road, Ahilyanagar, was struggling with the reality of her family’s financial constraints and the limitations placed upon her by society. Being a high school graduate, she dreamed of a better life but was unsure of how to achieve it.
Initial Struggles: Her husband was working in a private firm earning very low income, which was not sufficient to fulfil the family needs, due to the rising costs of daily expenses and their children’s education. However, she faced several challenges, starting with the belief that opportunities for women were limited to certain traditional roles. Despite her desire to work, the lack of skills and confidence stood in her way. Like many women in her community, Komal believed that certain jobs were meant for men, and the thought of breaking through these societal boundaries felt overwhelming.
A path to change: At this point, CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program stepped in, offering a lifeline that would transform Komal’s life forever. Komal’s life took a significant turn when she first learnt about the Non-Traditional Livelihood Program at a community awareness event. The program offered training in soft skills, job readiness, and financial literacy and also aimed at helping women gain access to non-traditional job opportunities.
She had never considered jobs like security work, traditionally viewed as a male-dominated field. She doubted her ability to succeed in such a role. However, after attending the program’s orientation, she was inspired by the stories of other women who had transformed their lives through the program. Komal decided to take the leap and enroll, hoping that it could be the key to changing her family’s future.
Challenges Faced: Komal faced multiple challenges as she navigated the program, with financial instability being a constant concern and she struggled to balance the costs of daily living while pursuing a better job. She also feared the burden of juggling work with her education, unsure of how to manage both. Her greatest hurdle, however, was breaking through the deeply ingrained societal expectations that placed limitations on her ambitions. Many people in her community believed that a woman’s place was within the home, caring for children and managing household duties. Komal often questioned whether she was doing the right thing by stepping outside these norms.
Empowering Change: The Non-Traditional Livelihood Program provided Komal with the support and training she needed to overcome these obstacles. Komal gained confidence in her communication skills, learnt to manage finances effectively, and developed the job readiness required for securing non-traditional roles. Additionally, the program offered mental health support, helping her cope with the stress of balancing her family’s needs with her personal goals. One of the most significant impacts of the program was the way it challenged Komal’s beliefs about gender roles. Through the program, she realized that there was no reason why a woman could not work in fields traditionally dominated by men. The sense of empowerment she gained from the training gave her the strength to break free from the constraints of her previous mindset.
A new career and a new life: Komal’s hard work and dedication paid off when she secured a job as a security guard with a monthly salary of Rs.11,000/-. This was a groundbreaking achievement, not only for her but for the community.
Her new job provided her family with much-needed financial stability, allowing them to manage household expenses and ensure her children’s education was no longer at risk. For the first time, Komal felt a sense of pride in her ability to support her family financially. This newfound independence also allowed her to invest in her personal growth, as she no longer felt dependent on her husband’s income.
Impact on the Community: Inspiring Change: By stepping into a non-traditional role, Komal not only improved her family’s financial situation but also inspired other women in her community to explore new career paths. Her decision to work as a security guard—an unconventional job for a woman—challenged traditional views and demonstrated that women are just as capable as men in every field.
A Brighter Future: Komal continues to balance her job with her family responsibilities, now with the confidence that she can manage both work and personal life efficiently. CYDA helped her secure employment and also imparted a sense of financial literacy and independence that will serve her well for years to come. With a new career, financial independence, and dignity, Komal’s future is brighter than ever.
