In the vibrant yet traditional village of Satavwadi, Maharashtra, 31-year-old Pooja Bhosale dreamed of providing a brighter future for her children. A single mother and a 12th-grade graduate, Pooja faced the dual burdens of financial instability and societal expectations. Her daily struggle to balance her children’s needs with her limited income left little room for dreams. Yet, she dared to envision a life of independence, free from the constraints of traditional gender roles.
Life had never been easy for Pooja. As the sole breadwinner, she grappled with the crushing weight of financial instability. “Every day was a challenge,” she recalled. “But I knew I had to keep going for my children.”
Beyond her financial struggles, Pooja also faced deeply ingrained gender bias. Her community had little faith in women stepping outside conventional roles, let alone taking up male-dominated professions. “People would say, ‘A woman driving a cab? It’s not for you,’” Pooja said. Instead of feeling defeated, she channeled their skepticism into determination.
Balancing her responsibilities as a mother, provider, and aspiring professional, Pooja sought a way to turn her aspirations into reality.
Pooja’s turning point came when she discovered CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program. The initiative aimed to empower women to break into fields typically dominated by men, offering skills, confidence, and a path to independence. For Pooja, this meant learning to drive a cab—a profession she had always wondered about. “Why can’t a woman do this?” she asked herself.
The training wasn’t just about driving. CYDA’s comprehensive program included lessons in communication, financial literacy, and mental health awareness. These elements proved transformative, helping Pooja overcome not only technical barriers but also the self-doubt she had carried for years.
“The CYDA team taught me more than how to drive,” Pooja shared. “They showed me how to communicate effectively, manage stress, and handle my finances. But most importantly, they gave me the confidence to step into a male-dominated profession.”
Achieving Independence and Inspiring Change
With newfound skills and determination, Pooja secured a job as a cab driver. The role brought more than just financial stability—it gave her a sense of independence and empowerment she had never experienced before. Earning ₹22,000 a month, she could now provide for her children comfortably and support her family.
Pooja’s success rippled through her community. Her bold step into a traditionally male-dominated profession challenged societal norms, inspiring other women in Satavwadi to rethink their potential. Pooja became a symbol of courage and possibility, proving that change begins with a single step.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Pooja’s journey from adversity to empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of determination and support. Through CYDA’s program, she not only gained the skills to secure a stable livelihood but also shattered gender stereotypes that had held women back for generations.
“I am financially independent now, but it’s more than that,” Pooja reflected. “I’ve shown my children and my community that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Pooja’s story is a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience of women breaking barriers and building brighter futures for themselves and their families.
The article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation Officer, CYDA
