Empowering Careers through Non-Traditional Training

Bajaj Finserv supports reaching out to  underserved populations, enabling them to acquire new skills and improve their economic conditions, writes Avinash Sonawane, Program Officer, Skilling at CYDA Nashik

Non-traditional livelihood programs are initiatives that provide women with opportunities to earn a living outside of traditional or stereotypical roles, empowering them economically, socially, and politically. These programs aim to diversify income-generating activities and offer women the chance to develop skills that are not tied to historically female-dominated sectors, such as domestic work or caregiving. The goal is to help women become financially independent, increase their participation in decision-making, and challenge gender norms.

For many young people, education represents the golden ticket to success—an opportunity to unlock a future filled with potential, career prospects, and personal growth.

Introduction

The dream that was hard to reach

Ganga Pawar, a determined young woman from Sinnar, broke through the limited opportunities for women in her rural town by seeing education as the key to a brighter future. Despite financial difficulties and societal barriers, she remained committed to her academic goals, walking miles to attend school. After earning a Master’s Degree, Ganga expected an easy career path, but instead faced repeated rejections due to her lack of work experience. Not giving up, she began mentoring young girls in her community, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and demonstrating how education can create positive change. Through her journey, Ganga showed that education has the power to not only transform an individual’s life but also uplift entire communities, fostering a cycle of empowerment and growth for future generations.

“I thought that once I had my MA, finding a good job would be easy,” Ganga recalls.

Transformation through a training program

Ganga’s journey took a positive turn when she connected with CYDA’s NTL program. Through the program, she received both soft and hard skills training, which was a turning point for her. Under the guidance of CYDA, Ganga gained valuable insights into essential life skills. Sessions on communication, goal-setting, and teamwork helped her understand real-world challenges and how to navigate them. The training boosted her confidence and equipped her with practical skills she lacked before.

Moreover, the 45-day comprehensive training in Tally accounting was a significant milestone. This technical skill enhanced her employability and opened up new opportunities in the job market. Ganga now had the tools and knowledge to face job interviews with confidence. Through this training, she learnt how to integrate skills for employability, tackle employment challenges, and pursue career growth. The support she received gave her a renewed sense of direction, hope, and confidence in her professional journey.

“Before this, I didn’t even know how important accounting software could be in today’s work environment,” Ganga explains.

Financial Independence and Professional Growth

Securing a job at Cogent E Service Limited had a significant impact on Ganga’s life. It not only provided her with financial independence but also validated the hard work and determination she had put into her education and training. Earning an income of Rs.14,000/- per month allowed Ganga to support herself and contribute to her family, giving her a sense of stability and empowerment. The job also boosted her self-esteem, reinforcing her belief that with the right skills and opportunities, she could overcome any challenge. Furthermore, it opened new doors for her career, offering her a platform to grow professionally and develop valuable work experience. Ganga’s achievement became a symbol of resilience, showing others in her community that perseverance, education, and the right support can lead to life-changing opportunities.

Through her determination and skills, Ganga transformed her life, showcasing how the right opportunities can help people overcome challenges and open doors to new possibilities in their professional lives. She proudly says – My success today is evidence of my hardships, which I got from CYDA’s NTL initiative that directed me to turn my life and look around the world differently and that made all the difference.