Bajaj Finserv’s initiative, Non-Traditional Livelihood, is transforming the lives of women by equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge. Mohan Kandekar, Skill Centre Head of Ahilyanagar, writes about how this impactful program is creating new opportunities and promoting financial independence for women.
The Struggles of a Young Dreamer
At just 23 years old, Kalinda Jare, from Kedgaon, Ahilyanagar, had always dreamt of a better life. She completed a nursing course after 12th grade. Living in a rural village with limited opportunities, her aspirations often felt like distant stars. Her father, a hardworking farmer, struggled to make ends meet. Despite his dedication to farming, the income from agriculture was barely enough to cover the family’s basic needs, leaving little room for Kalinda to chase her educational or career dreams.
Her dreams were bound by the harsh reality of financial instability and societal expectations. In a rural community where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained, Kalinda’s ambition to break free from the cycle of poverty seems like an impossible challenge. But fate had something else in store for her in the form of an unexpected opportunity—one that would change the course of her life forever.
A Chance Encounter: A Life-Changing Program
The turning point came when Kalinda’s father attended a community awareness event in Kedgaon and learnt about the CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program. Intrigued by the potential to uplift their family’s financial situation, he encouraged Kalinda to enroll in the program. She had always believed that certain jobs, especially those in the healthcare and industrial sectors, were reserved for men.
When Kalinda attended the orientation, something inside her clicked. She realized that the program was not just about finding a job—it was about reshaping her perception of herself and the world around her. She realized that the skills and opportunities offered by CYDA could give her a chance to prove that women, too, could break through barriers and succeed in fields previously dominated by men.
Facing the Obstacles: A Young Woman’s Struggle
Growing up in a financially struggling household, Kalinda felt the pressure to contribute to the family’s well-being. Her father worked tirelessly on the farm, but there was never enough money to cover both their daily expenses and her educational dreams. This made it difficult for Kalinda to balance her ambition with the reality of her situation.
The biggest challenge, however, was the societal expectation that women should follow to certain roles, especially when it came to employment. As a young woman in a rural village, Kalinda found herself constantly questioning whether she was capable of pursuing something that went against the grain of tradition. The thought of leaving her comfort zone and venturing into a non-traditional role seemed daunting, yet she knew it was the only way out of her circumstances.
Empowering Kalinda to Thrive
Kalinda’s decision to join CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program marked the beginning of a transformative journey. The program was about hard skills, technical training and also offered a holistic approach that addressed the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of career growth. Through both soft skills and hard skills training, Kalinda gained the tools she needed to overcome her doubts and fears.
She enhanced her communication skills and learnt job readiness, financial literacy, and stress management—all of which were crucial in helping her build a career. The program also provided mental health support, guiding Kalinda through the emotional challenges of balancing work with personal responsibilities. As she underwent the training, her confidence grew, and she began to see herself as capable of more than just fulfilling traditional expectations. She was capable of defining her own destiny.
Securing a Job and Shaping the Future
Upon completing the training, Kalinda’s life took a pivotal turn. Honed with new skills and a fresh mindset, she successfully secured a job as a General Duty Assistant in a hospital. This opportunity was more than just employment; it was a symbol of her determination to rise above societal norms and create a better life for herself and her family.
With a monthly salary of Rs.15,000/- per month, Kalinda’s income significantly lightened the financial pressures her family had been facing for years. The money she earned allowed her family to pay for her younger siblings’ education, buy essentials, and improve their living conditions. Kalinda’s success became a source of inspiration not just for her family but for the entire community.
She became a role model for young women who had previously been told that certain jobs were “not for them” or that their roles were confined to household duties. Kalinda shows them that breaking free from traditional gender expectations is not just possible—it was essential for personal and financial growth. She sparked a change in the mindset of the younger generation, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and pursue careers in diverse fields.
A Community Transformed
As Kalinda’s influence grew, more women began to follow in her footsteps, enrolling in the CYDA program and pursuing non-traditional careers. Kalinda had broken the chains of poverty and societal limitations, paving the way for others to do the same.
Kalinda’s Message to the Youth
Looking back, Kalinda says, “Initially, I thought I would not be able to manage both my higher education and a job. But now, I am confident that I can handle it efficiently. The training I received did not just prepare me for a job; it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities.”
Through CYDA program, she not only gained the skills to secure a job but also found the courage to defy societal expectations.
