Ragini Whawale’s powerful transformation was made possible through the dedicated support of United Way Hyderabad, committed to advancing inclusive development. With guidance from Pranali Lalge, Field Executive at CYDA’s Gender Unit, Ragini’s journey from a homemaker to a professional has inspired many within her community to reimagine what’s possible.
In a world where societal norms often dictate the roles women should play, many remain confined to caregiving and low-paying, home-based work. This limitation not only restricts their financial independence but also curbs their personal growth. Non-traditional livelihoods—careers beyond conventional roles—offer women the chance to break free from these societal constraints, gain economic stability, and transform their lives. CYDA focuses in reaching underserved women with skills training and empowerment programs continue to spark lasting change, challenging gender norms and building a more equitable future. Women entering non-traditional careers is not just about financial independence; it is about reshaping society. When women break barriers, they set an example for others to follow. They inspire the next generation to dream beyond limits imposed by tradition.
Ragini proved that anything is possible and that women can work just as capably as men. But how did she overcome the barriers of societal expectations, financial struggles, and self-doubt? What challenges did she face, and what inspired her to break free from traditional roles?
Let’s delve into her journey and reveal how she transformed her life against all odds.
From Homemaker to Trailblazer
Ragini Whawale, a 29-year-old woman from Sangamwadi, was once bound by the traditional expectations of her gender: caregiver, homemaker, and occasional labourer. With only a 10th-grade education, she struggled to find opportunities that could help her contribute financially to her family. Yet, deep down, she knew she was capable of more. Her journey from self-doubt to empowerment is nothing short of inspiring.
Challenges and Roadblocks: Fighting for a Dream
Ragini’s first step towards change came when she learnt about the Centre for Youth Development and its Non-Traditional Livelihood Programme. Encouraged by her neighbours, she made the bold decision to enrol in CYDA’s computer operator training. Her husband, Vikas, was skeptical. “Why waste money on something you might not succeed at?” he questioned, urging her to take up tailoring or packing jobs that kept her within the four walls of their home. Financial constraints added to the struggle. Their limited income made it difficult to justify investing in her education, and the constant doubts from family members burdened heavily on her.
But Ragini stood firm. “I wanted to prove to myself, and to my family, that I could do more than what was expected of me,” she said with determination.
Finding Strength: A journey of transformation
Despite the hurdles, she took a leap of faith and joined CYDA’s program. Through their soft skills training, she slowly rebuilt her confidence. She learnt to communicate effectively, handle criticism, and navigate family resistance. The hard skills training in computer operations was a turning point. For someone who had never imagined herself in a professional setting, mastering computer skills was a revelation. She earned her first certification in computer operations—a piece of paper that symbolized her hard work, resilience, and newfound confidence.
“I started to believe in myself, something I never did before,” she admitted.
Impacting Lives: The Wave Effect of Change
Living in a labour camp for construction workers, where women are expected to take on low-paying, home-based jobs, Ragini’s success was ground-breaking. Her achievement was not just personal; it was transformational for her community. Women who had never considered stepping beyond traditional roles now saw a possibility for themselves. “If Ragini can do this, maybe we can too,” one of her neighbour’s remarked.
Men in the community, too, took notice. “Seeing a woman from our camp enter a professional field is a big change,” admitted a local man. Ragini’s journey was shifting long-held mind-sets about what women could and could not do.
A New Future: Ragini’s Message to Other Women
Today, Ragini stands as a role model, proving that education and skills can open doors once thought impossible. “I used to think my world was limited to my home,” she reflected, “but now I see endless possibilities, all because of CYDA.” Her transformation from a homemaker to a skilled professional is not just a personal victory—it is a victory for her family, her community, and every woman who dares to dream beyond traditional limits.
