The remarkable transformation in Ganga’s journey—from a home-based tailor to a confident computer professional took a shape towards collaborative efforts of grassroots organizations and dedicated individuals on the ground. With consistent support from EMpower and the close mentorship of Pranali Lalge, Field Executive at CYDA, women like Ganga are now stepping into non-traditional livelihoods with confidence and purpose.
Introduction: A path less travelled
In a small neighbourhood in Wadarwadi, Pune, Ganga Shinde’s life was marked by financial struggles and limited opportunities. Like many women in her community, Ganga was responsible for managing household duties and trying to contribute to the family income through her tailoring work. However, her income was inconsistent, and the heavy burden of managing everything at home made it hard to visualize a future beyond her traditional role.
Facing Limitations:
Before Ganga discovered the NTL program, she was stuck in a situation that many women face. Her father earned Rs.20,000/- a month, which made it difficult to meet the family’s needs. Ganga’s tailoring business, though helpful, was not providing enough stability and she often felt trapped in a job that did not offer growth or financial security. On top of that, her daily responsibilities as a homemaker made it hard to explore better opportunities for her family’s future. For Ganga and many women in her position, a traditional livelihood meant limited chances for career growth, formal jobs and entering the wider job market. Societal expectations often kept women focused on home duties, leaving few opportunities to break away from these traditional roles.
A New beginning
The turning point in Ganga’s life came when she attended a community campaign that introduced her to the CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood (NTL) program. Unlike typical job training, NTL empowered women by offering skills for jobs outside traditional roles. It opened Ganga’s eyes to computer operations, a field she had not considered before. The program provided her with comprehensive training in computer skills, job readiness, and communication, building both her technical abilities and confidence to pursue non-traditional careers. Ganga’s family supported her decision, recognizing the potential for change. This encouragement was vital, as many women face resistance when stepping into professional fields. With her family’s backing and determination, Ganga embraced the opportunity for a brighter future.
Key benefits and Transformation
- The NTL program, designed specifically to cater to women, helped Ganga in several key ways, not just professionally, but also personally.
- Skill Development for Non-Traditional Roles: The NTL program provided Ganga with the technical skills required to become a computer operator. This was a job that would traditionally be seen as a male-dominated field, and by acquiring these skills, Ganga was able to break into a professional sector that had previously been out of reach for women in her community.
- Building Professional Confidence: Beyond the technical training, the NTL program placed significant emphasis on building self-confidence and communication skills. Ganga learnt how to present herself in job interviews, how to communicate effectively in a professional environment, and how to navigate the expectations of a workplace. These skills were essential in preparing her to face challenges in a corporate setting and enabled her to feel confident in applying for jobs.
- Support for Work-Life Balance: One of the most important aspects of the NTL program was that it understood the unique needs of women, especially those with familial responsibilities. CYDA took this into account and helped Ganga secure a job that offered a manageable 8-hour workday, which allowed her to maintain a healthy balance between her career and home duties.
- Job Placement and Career Growth: Along with training, Ganga could secure a job as a computer operator, with a monthly salary of Rs.16,000/-. This job was a stepping stone, offering Ganga financial independence and career growth that she had never previously considered. The NTL program played a crucial role in bridging the gap between her training and the job market.
Breaking Gender Barriers: The Impact of Non-Traditional Livelihoods on Ganga’s Life
The impact of the NTL program on Ganga’s life has been both significant and life-changing, not just in terms of financial independence, but also in her personal growth. By encouraging women like Ganga to enter professions that are not traditionally seen as ‘women’s work,’ CYDA’s NTL program helps to dismantle stereotypes about gender roles in the workforce.
- Financial Empowerment: With a stable income from her new job, Ganga was able to contribute significantly to her family’s finances. The salary she earns is more than enough to ease her family’s financial burdens and has given her the ability to plan for a better future.
- Psychological Empowerment: Ganga’s success has also had a psychological impact. She no longer sees herself merely as a homemaker or a tailor; she is now a skilled professional in a non-traditional field. This has boosted her self-esteem and made her more confident in every area of her life.
- Inspiring Other Women: Ganga has become an advocate for the NTL program and actively encourages other women in her community to take part. She sees firsthand the difference that such a program can make in a woman’s life, and her story has inspired many others to explore careers in fields that were once out of reach for them.
- Encouraging a New Future for Women
- Ganga’s journey from a home-based business to a career as a computer operator is a shining example of what happens when women are given the tools to succeed outside of traditional roles. Her story serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, showing that non-traditional livelihoods are not only possible but can lead to great success and fulfilment.
Ganga says – Women deserve the opportunity to explore new career paths, break free from societal expectations, and build their own futures.
