Two Women, One Dream: The Power of Encouragement and Equality

You may have read many stories of transformation on the ImpactLens platform. But this one is a little different. It takes you to a story that shatters stereotypes about what usually happens to a daughter-in-law after marriage.

By Pooja Matre, Gender Expert, Chh. Sambhaji Nagar, CYDA

Sakshi was born in a small village of Kannad Taluka, Maharashtra. Her family depended on farming for their livelihood. Her father worked as a daily wage labourer, while her mother managed the home. As the eldest child, Sakshi had to take on many household responsibilities from a young age. Even with financial difficulties, Sakshi was determined to study. Her father encouraged her to continue her education despite the challenges. She completed her schooling up to Class 12 and then enrolled in a diploma course in Electronics. While many girls in her area left school because of early marriage or financial problems, Sakshi wanted to build a different future.

A New Beginning After Marriage

During her diploma studies, Sakshi got married to a private school teacher. Her in-laws are from a simple background but have an open and supportive mindset. They welcomed Sakshi warmly and encouraged her to continue her education instead of restricting her. Her mother-in-law works in a nursery, and her father-in-law drives a rickshaw. In a region where many women stop pursuing their dreams after marriage, her in-laws gave her the freedom to move forward. Their support helped her believe that marriage could be a new beginning, not an end to her aspirations.

One day, Sakshi’s husband told her about CYDA, an organisation that offers skill development training for youth and women. The idea interested her, but she was unsure if she could manage it along with her home responsibilities. She worried about what people might say. Seeing her hesitation, her mother-in-law encouraged her, saying, “Don’t be afraid. We are here to support you.” These simple words gave Sakshi the courage to take the next step.

Sakshi and her mother-in-law visited the CYDA centre of Chh. Sambhaji Nagar together. During a session, her mother-in-law said, “If my daughter-in-law chooses work that people think only men can do, I will be proud of her.” Her words inspired everyone in the room.

WASH Mitra Training

Sakshi joined the WASH Mitra training programme conducted by CYDA. At first, she was shy and unsure of herself. But as the days passed, she began to participate more confidently.

She travelled every day from Verul to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, managing long commutes and her household duties. Her mother-in-law supported her fully by taking care of the home and encouraging her to share what she learned each day.

During the 18-day training, Sakshi learned practical skills such as plumbing, electrical repair, and solar fitting. She also attended soft skills sessions that helped her improve communication and confidence. By the end of the training, she was no longer the quiet girl who sat in the back but someone who could lead group discussions with confidence.

A Supportive Bond that Inspires Others

Sakshi and her mother-in-law share a relationship based on trust and encouragement. They have shown that this bond can be one of strength, not conflict. Her mother-in-law believes that girls should be allowed to learn and work after marriage and that both men and women deserve equal opportunities.

Their example has inspired many other families in their village. Several women have now started asking about CYDA’s training programmes. Other mothers-in-law have said they, too, want to support their daughters-in-law in learning new skills.

Looking Ahead

After completing her training, Sakshi plans to work as a WASH Mitra and start her own business in plumbing, electrical, and solar repair work. She is proud to enter fields that are usually considered men’s work. Her family, especially her mother-in-law, continues to motivate her. They believe that women can do any job if they get the right opportunities and encouragement. What makes her journey even more powerful is the awareness within her family, especially her mother-in-law, about gender equality. She firmly believes that women should get equal opportunities in education, skills, and employment. She often says:

 “कामात स्त्री-पुरुष असा फरक नसतो, योग्य संधी मिळाली तर स्त्रियाही कोणतेही काम आत्मविश्वासाने करू शकतात.”

Today, Sakshi has become a role model for many young women in her village. She says, “Life doesn’t end after marriage. With the right support, any woman can move ahead and achieve her dreams.”

Leave a Reply

The Podcast

Stay tuned here for listening and viewing to our amazing Podcasts with amazing & inspiring people.

Impact Jobs

Lastest Stories