Bajaj Finserv empowers young women from marginalized communities by creating opportunities for individuals like Chanda. For many women in rural areas, societal norms often dictate that certain professions are reserved for men, and others, particularly non-traditional livelihoods, are simply not an option. These gender-based limitations made it even harder for women to imagine a future beyond the traditional roles society had assigned to them. Avinash Sonavane, Project Coordinator, shares how women like Chanda are breaking barriers and forging their own paths to success
In the small town of Sinnar, a young woman named Chanda Singh is fighting not just for a livelihood but for the right to dream. A 27-year-old with determination in her heart, Chanda’s story is a transformative power of resilience, skill development, and the opportunity to break free from societal expectations. Let’s journey into her world to see how she navigated the tough terrain of societal barriers, personal struggles, and financial hardships.
The Struggles: A Life of Limited Choices
Chanda’s life began with numerous challenges. Growing up in a family with limited financial resources, she understood the burden of economic hardships. Her husband worked as a fabricator, a job that provided little stability. Despite having completed her education, Chanda found herself stuck in a cycle of limited opportunities. Her qualifications, though promising, did not seem to translate into a steady job. The support from her family was almost non-existent, leaving her feeling isolated in her efforts to improve her circumstances. However, Chanda’s determination to contribute to her family’s well-being never wavered. Despite feeling disheartened by her lack of job opportunities and societal expectations, she held onto a glimmer of hope.
The Turning Point: A Chance Encounter
Chanda’s life took a key turn when she was introduced to CYDA during a mobilization and baseline survey. The NGO had been working in Sinnar, providing critical support and guidance to women like Chanda, empowering them with the skills to thrive in non-traditional fields. CYDA’s mission to break down gender barriers and create opportunities for marginalized youth resonated with Chanda, who had long desired more than the traditional roles offered to women in her community.
CYDA introduced her to the Non-Traditional Livelihood program, which focused on skill development, confidence-building, and providing job opportunities in sectors that were typically dominated by men. Chanda felt a spark of hope. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for—an opportunity to change the course of her life.
The Transformation: Skill Development and Confidence Building
Chanda registered for the NTL program, where she was enrolled in the soft skills training program. The training was not just about learning technical skills but also about understanding her worth, boosting her self-confidence, and preparing for the challenges of the job market. Chanda took part in two days of intensive soft skills training, focusing on vital aspects like resume writing, interview preparation, and improving communication skills.
Through CYDA’s intervention, Chanda gained a new sense of purpose. She was not just learning how to write a resume—she was learning to believe in herself. The training helped her build the necessary skills to navigate the job market with confidence, and it empowered her to think beyond the traditional roles she had once been confined to.
After completing the training, the CYDA team noticed a job opening at Hotel Vaishnavi in Sinnar for an accounting position. This was the moment Chanda had been waiting for. With the support of the team, she meticulously prepared her resume and other documents. Her passion and determination stood out in her interview, and she was soon offered the role.
The Achievement: From Struggling to Empowerment
Chanda’s hard work paid off when she secured the accounting position at Hotel Vaishnavi with a monthly salary of Rs.10,500/-. This was more than just a job—it was a milestone in her journey toward financial independence, empowerment, and the realization of her dreams. Her success was not just about landing a job; it was about proving that women can thrive in non-traditional fields and break free from societal limitations. Chanda’s success became an inspiration for the other women in her community, showing them that with the right support and skills, they too could step into roles that were once deemed out of reach. Chanda’s transformation served as a powerful reminder that breaking gender stereotypes can lead to empowerment, and that change is possible for those willing to fight for it.
Waves of Impact: Uplifting a community
Chanda’s journey rippled out, affecting the lives of others in her community. As a woman who defied societal expectations and pursued a career in a non-traditional field, she became a role model for other women, especially young girls who had long been told that their future lay in domestic roles or traditional occupations.
Her story ignited a wave of optimism, demonstrating that with access to education, skills, guidance, and opportunities, women can achieve economic independence and contribute meaningfully to their communities. As Chanda’s success continued to inspire others, the impact of CYDA’s work became even more evident. The organization’s efforts to empower marginalized women through skill-building initiatives and job placement were not just changing individual lives—they were reshaping entire communities.
By investing in women’s skill development and creating avenues for them to enter non-traditional fields, we not only empower individual women but also contribute to broader economic and social progress. Programs like CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood initiative play a crucial role in this, fostering an environment where women can confidently pursue careers that were once inaccessible.
The Power of determination and empowerment
Through CYDA’s intervention, Chanda was able to break free from societal constraints, build a fulfilling career, and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of determination, self-belief, and the importance of investing in skill development for marginalized women. As we celebrate Chanda’s achievements, we are reminded that when women are empowered to pursue non-traditional livelihoods, they not only change their own lives but also contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
