Riya Zende’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with strong willpower and the proper support. Once a school dropout, Riya now works as a petrol pump assistant in Salve Nagar. Her journey was documented by Pranali Lalge from CYDA. This transformation became possible through the combined efforts of EMpower and CYDA, which are committed to inclusive development by encouraging women to pursue non-traditional livelihoods. Through strategic interventions and sustained on-ground efforts, they have empowered young women like Riya to break barriers, achieve financial independence, and become change-makers in their communities.
The importance of women in non-traditional livelihood fields cannot be overstated. In many parts of the world, women are often confined to roles that are considered “appropriate” by society-roles in sectors like domestic work, teaching, and healthcare. These traditional roles, while valuable, are often not financially rewarding and limit women’s potential. Non-traditional livelihoods such as working in technical fields, transportation, or leadership roles in male-dominated sectors present an opportunity for women to break free from these confines.
The Path to Transformation
Riya Zende’s life could have gone in a predictable direction when she was 19. Many young women from her background face limitations due to societal expectations, academic struggles, and financial difficulties. Riya, from Pune, had big dreams and was determined to succeed. However, she faced tough challenges. Despite her eagerness, she couldn’t find a stable job because she had to drop out of school after 9th grade. Her situation was even harder because she had to take care of her family, which relied on her.
Riya Zende’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with strong willpower and the proper support. Once a school dropout, Riya now works as a petrol pump assistant in Salve Nagar. Her journey was documented by Pranali Lalge from CYDA. This transformation became possible through the combined efforts of EMpower and CYDA, which are committed to inclusive development by encouraging women to pursue non-traditional livelihoods. Through strategic interventions and sustained on-ground efforts, they have empowered young women like Riya to break barriers, achieve financial independence, and become change-makers in their communities.
The importance of women in non-traditional livelihood fields cannot be overstated. In many parts of the world, women are often confined to roles that are considered “appropriate” by society-roles in sectors like domestic work, teaching, and healthcare. These traditional roles, while valuable, are often not financially rewarding and limit women’s potential. Non-traditional livelihoods such as working in technical fields, transportation, or leadership roles in male-dominated sectors present an opportunity for women to break free from these confines.
The Path to Transformation
Riya Zende’s life could have gone in a predictable direction when she was 19. Many young women from her background face limitations due to societal expectations, academic struggles, and financial difficulties. Riya, from Pune, had big dreams and was determined to succeed. However, she faced tough challenges. Despite her eagerness, she couldn’t find a stable job because she had to drop out of school after 9th grade. Her situation was even harder because she had to take care of her family, which relied on her.
Riya Zende’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with strong willpower and the proper support. Once a school dropout, Riya now works as a petrol pump assistant in Salve Nagar. Her journey was documented by Pranali Lalge from CYDA. This transformation became possible through the combined efforts of EMpower and CYDA, which are committed to inclusive development by encouraging women to pursue non-traditional livelihoods. Through strategic interventions and sustained on-ground efforts, they have empowered young women like Riya to break barriers, achieve financial independence, and become change-makers in their communities.
The importance of women in non-traditional livelihood fields cannot be overstated. In many parts of the world, women are often confined to roles that are considered “appropriate” by society-roles in sectors like domestic work, teaching, and healthcare. These traditional roles, while valuable, are often not financially rewarding and limit women’s potential. Non-traditional livelihoods such as working in technical fields, transportation, or leadership roles in male-dominated sectors present an opportunity for women to break free from these confines.
The Path to Transformation
Riya Zende’s life could have gone in a predictable direction when she was 19. Many young women from her background face limitations due to societal expectations, academic struggles, and financial difficulties. Riya, from Pune, had big dreams and was determined to succeed. However, she faced tough challenges. Despite her eagerness, she couldn’t find a stable job because she had to drop out of school after 9th grade. Her situation was even harder because she had to take care of her family, which relied on her.
The Struggles: Stuck in Midpoint
Though Riya’s challenges were not unique, they were deeply personal. After dropping out of school, she found herself stuck in a cycle of underemployment. Despite the desire to work, her limited education and lack of vocational training restricted her access to good jobs. The social pressure on women in her community to adhere to traditional roles further compounded her struggles, as she was expected to focus on family duties rather than pursue a career. This showed Riya the hidden potential of non-traditional livelihoods and sparked her desire for change.
A Ray of Hope
The turning point came when Riya came to know about Centre for Youth Development Activities, which offers various programs to empower youth, particularly women, by providing training and skills development to help them enter non-traditional sectors. She got the opportunity to work at a petrol pump-a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Riya’s decision to enroll in NTL in Salve Nagar proved to be a life-changing choice. The training provided went beyond technical skills. It focused on developing soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving, while also offering computer skills essential for today’s job market. These skills gave Riya the confidence she had been lacking, empowering her to break free from the constraints of her upbringing and societal expectations.
For Riya, joining the training program was more than just a career move-it was a statement of independence and empowerment. She was not just equipped with technical skills but also with the mindset needed to thrive in spaces typically reserved for men. This change had a profound effect on her community, demonstrating that women, regardless of age or background, can excel in non-traditional fields.
The Impact: A Newfound Confidence and Career Path
As Riya progressed through the training, her newfound confidence began to show in all aspects of her life. She no longer saw herself as someone who was dependent on others for support but as a capable, independent individual who could make her own choices. The training was not just about learning new skills; it was about transforming her mindset, enabling her to see herself as someone with the power to create change.
One of the most significant impacts of this intervention was Riya’s ability to secure stable employment. With her improved skillset and a fresh sense of purpose, she was hired at the petrol pump a non-traditional job for women, earning Rs. 12,000/- per month. This role, once unimaginable for someone with her background, became the foundation of Riya’s financial independence.
The opportunity at the petrol pump provided her with a steady income and allowed her to rise above societal expectations. Her success became a source of inspiration for other young women in her community, showing them that they too could break free from traditional gender roles and take control of their lives. Riya’s statement, “Because of CYDA, I am able to come out of my cell, and it was like I had wings to fly,” encapsulates her transformation.
