Ms. Sonali Harne, a 31-year-old resident of Jail Road, Nashik, is a shining example of unwavering strength and perseverance. Living with her husband, a daily wage laborer, and their two young children, Sonali’s life was marked by economic hardships and societal expectations that limited her opportunities. Her husband’s irregular income barely sufficed to cover the basics, let alone fulfill aspirations like quality education for their children. Despite completing her 12th education, finding stable employment seemed like a distant dream. But Sonali refused to give up, holding onto a dream of building a better life where she could support her family.
A ray of hope:
One day, Sonali’s life took a significant turn when she learnt about the Non-Traditional Livelihood (NTL) program offered by CYDA. The program aimed to equip women with skills to explore various job opportunities and challenge gender stereotypes. Initially curious yet hesitant, Sonali listened intently, wondering if this could be the opportunity she had been waiting for. CYDA team played a pivotal role in encouraging Sonali to attend a two-day soft skills training, which was not just a learning experience but a transformative intervention in her life. The training was carefully designed to address various aspects of personal and professional development, equipping participants with essential skills for the workplace and life in general.
Training program
1. Comprehensive Skill Development: The training covered a wide range of topics that helped Sonali and other participants enhance their capabilities in multiple areas:
- Communication Skills: Sonali learned the art of effective communication, which is vital for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and expressing ideas clearly in any professional or personal setting.
- Gender and Patriarchy: This session helped participants understand societal expectations and the importance of challenging patriarchal norms. This knowledge empowered Sonali to feel more confident in expressing her views and challenging stereotypes in her workplace.
- Self-Identity: Understanding one’s worth and identity is crucial for personal growth. The session on self-identity encouraged Sonali to embrace her true self, boosting her self-esteem and fostering a sense of inner strength.
- Mental Health Awareness: A crucial aspect of the training was the focus on mental well-being, helping Sonali recognize the importance of managing stress and seeking support when needed. This contributed significantly to her overall well-being and resilience.
- Job Readiness: The session provided Sonali with tools to improve her employability, such as understanding workplace dynamics, adapting to professional environments, and preparing for interviews.
- Financial and Digital Literacy: These sessions equipped Sonali with practical skills related to managing finances and utilizing digital tools for work and personal purposes.
2. Empowerment and Confidence Building: The intervention boosted Sonali’s confidence, helping her believe in herself. The communication skills learnt enabled her to navigate both professional and social situations, while insights into self-identity and mental health encouraged personal growth and self-value.
3. Real-World Relevance and Impact: The training combined both theoretical and practical skills, directly applicable to real-world situations. Sonali immediately utilized the learnings, enhancing her ability to handle professional challenges, communicate effectively with colleagues, and assert herself in her career, making the intervention highly impactful and transformative for her personal and professional growth.
The two days of comprehensive training, equipped Sonali with the tools to excel in her career and personal life, The training bridged the gap between Sonali’s potential and her readiness to navigate the professional world with confidence. More than an educational experience, it was a transformative process that fostered emotional, mental, and professional growth.
Overcoming challenges
Despite her newfound confidence, Sonali’s journey was not without challenges. Her aspirations for a better future clashed with societal norms and expectations. Many of her relatives and community members disapproved of her choice to work, particularly at a petrol pump, a field they considered unconventional for women.
Sonali shares, “It’s tough breaking stereotypes as a woman. People told me this job was not for me, but I knew I had to keep going.”
The transformation journey
After completing the training, the team identified a job opportunity that aligned with her skills and aspirations. With their guidance, Sonali prepared for and successfully cleared an interview for the position of petrol pump attendant at Adhav Petroleum in Nashik. Her selection was a significant milestone. Earning Rs.9,000/- per month, Sonali began contributing to her family’s financial stability, providing for her children’s education and even saving for their future.
Sonali’s journey inspires women in her community, showcasing the impact of skill development programs like Non-Traditional Livelihood. By breaking gender stereotypes, she improved her family’s financial situation and set an example for other women to challenge societal norms and explore unconventional roles.
“Failure taught me to fight harder, but success has shown me that I am capable of achieving more than I ever dreamed,” Sonali reflects. ( This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer at CYDA)
