Nikita Landage, a 20-year-old from a marginalized Mumbai community, has faced unimaginable hardships. Her mother, a domestic worker, struggled to make ends meet, facing financial struggles and abuse. Her father, a driver, battled alcohol addiction, leaving Nikita and her mother unsupported.
At 15, Nikita took on domestic work to support her mother financially while completing her 10th grade. Despite her father’s opposition, she persevered, finishing her 12th grade. However, after her brother’s marriage, her father’s priorities shifted, leaving Nikita and her mother to fend for themselves.
Nikita’s mother instilled in her the importance of education, motivating her to strive for self-reliance. “Success is not determined by the level of education, but by the willingness to grab opportunities,” Nikita recalls.
Determined to change her circumstances, Nikita moved to Pune in 2022. She initially worked at Flipkart but became dissatisfied with the long hours and limited family time. In November 2023, she discovered the Non-Traditional Livelihood project by CYDA, which offered a three-day soft skills awareness campaign first.
The program transformed Nikita, equipping her with essential skills like communication, breaking gender stereotypes, mental health awareness, job readiness, and digital skills. “Gender should never be a barrier to success,” Nikita asserts.
After the training, CYDA arranged interviews for Sales Executive positions. Although Nikita wasn’t selected initially, she remained determined. CYDA provided counselling and communication training, and soon after, Nikita secured a position as a Sales Promoter at Himalaya Wellness.
Nikita is now earning over ₹14,000 per month, thanks to the opportunities provided by CYDA. She credits the training for empowering her with soft skills, financial literacy, and mental health balance.
Nikita’s ultimate goal is to bring happiness to her mother. She’s working hard to save for a house, further education, and a brighter future. “I am grateful to CYDA for boosting my confidence and showing that women can excel and compete equally with men.”
Nikita’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. From hardship to hope, her journey inspires us to believe in ourselves and strive for a better tomorrow.
Written by Ms. Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation officer, CYDA
