This story is not just one of financial growth – it’s a narrative of creativity, empowerment, and self-reliance.
The non-traditional livelihood initiative has been made possible through the support of Bajaj Finserv, whose commitment to inclusive growth and women empowerment continues to uplift marginalized voices across India. Their backing of the NTL program and guidance through Avinash Sonawane, Project Coordinator at CYDA, has opened doors for women like Sanchiti to step beyond traditional roles and claim their rightful space in the economy and society.
Introduction: In a world where traditional gender roles often define the boundaries of one’s potential, Sanchiti Wagchoure, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Sinnar, Nashik, has no more than a vision, a paper bag business, and a young daughter to support. Sanchiti’s journey is a story of breaking barriers, facing adversity, and achieving both personal and professional success.
Facing Early Challenges: Sanchiti’s journey as an entrepreneur was filled with challenges. As a self-employed woman, she crafted paper bags for local street vendors, a business she believed had the potential for expansion. Yet, with limited financial support from her family and no formal business training, the initial days of her venture were a struggle. For Sanchiti, every step felt like an uphill battle, but her entrepreneurial spirit refused to be extinguished.
Despite her determination, she quickly encountered a big problem – transportation. Although she owned a vehicle, her lack of driving skills meant that she had to hire a driver to collect raw materials and deliver orders. While necessary, this external dependence on hired help became costly and took a toll on her profits. This was a pivotal moment in Sanchiti’s journey, a turning point that fueled her desire for change. She realized that learning to drive herself could be the key to both financial sustainability and greater control over her business.
The Spark of Change: At a crucial juncture, Sanchiti’s life took a significant turn when she engaged with the CYDA. During the baseline survey, CYDA’s team introduced Sanchiti to the Non-Traditional Livelihood program – an initiative designed to empower women like her to venture into non-traditional fields that had traditionally been dominated by men.
Though hesitant initially, Sanchiti’s interest in exploring new avenues was awakened. She enrolled in CYDA’s soft skill training, where she learnt essential communication and interpersonal skills. For the first time, Sanchiti felt equipped to navigate the challenges she was facing with a new sense of confidence. The training was just the beginning, and the empowerment she received was only a glimpse of the transformation that lay ahead.
Breaking Gender Norms: Sanchiti’s determination did not stop at learning new skills; she took a bold step towards breaking societal stereotypes. Many women in her community might have accepted the limitations placed on them, but Sanchiti was ready to challenge them. Through CYDA, she entered driving training for a month – a skill typically not pursued by women in her locality. With every lesson, she gained more than just driving skills; she gained the confidence to steer her business towards a future of independence.
This new ability allowed her to reduce costs, cut out dependency on hired drivers, and have full control over her transportation needs. With the freedom to move raw materials and deliver finished goods without incurring additional costs, Sanchiti witnessed a sharp improvement in both her profit margins and business efficiency.
Empowering Through Creativity and Innovation: Sanchiti’s entrepreneurial vision extended beyond just acquiring driving skills. Recognizing the importance of branding and differentiation in a competitive market, she started focusing on the visual attractiveness of her paper bags. By adding appealing designs and intricate drawings, she was able to differentiate her products, giving her a competitive edge in the local market. Her creative approach not only helped to elevate her business but also expanded her reach, enabling her to secure clients from neighbouring locations.
Through CYDA’s mentorship and resources, Sanchiti became not just a businesswoman, but a brand. She integrated her personal creativity and newly acquired skills to make a mark in a competitive industry. Her bags became a symbol of quality, art, and resilience.
Inspiring the Community: Sanchiti’s transformation is an inspiration for women in her community. In a society where women often face the brunt of gender-based expectations, her ability to learn to drive, run her business efficiently, and develop a strong brand for herself shattered stereotypes. Her journey proves that with the right support, women can excel in fields that were previously off-limits to them.
Her success has not only transformed her own life but has created a ripple effect in the community. Other women who once believed they were bound by tradition are now finding the courage to follow their dreams, whether that means learning new skills or venturing into non-traditional careers. Sanchiti’s accomplishment serves as a powerful reminder that empowering women to pursue their aspirations is the key to creating a more equitable society.
A Testimony of Personal Growth and Community Change: Through CYDA’s intervention, she overcame the barriers of financial constraints, gender norms, and lack of resources. Her ability to thrive in a non-traditional sector exemplifies what is possible when women are given the tools, confidence, and opportunities to unlock their potential. Sanchiti is now a role model for young women everywhere, proving that with hard work, innovation, and the right support, anything is possible. Her achievements are a celebration of the non-traditional livelihood sector’s ability to transform lives and create lasting change.
