In the heart of Padmavati, a vibrant yet traditional community, Jasmin Nadaf—a 38-year-old mother of two—stands as a beacon of empowerment and resilience. With a supportive husband working as an auto-rickshaw driver, Jasmin’s life revolved around her children and household. Despite the joy and love in her family, Jasmin harbored a silent longing to carve out her own identity, to step beyond the confines of societal norms, and to inspire others in her community.
Jasmin’s transformative journey began when she attended a community awareness program organized by CYDA. Listening to stories of women who had challenged traditional roles and ventured into non-traditional livelihoods (NTL), she felt a spark ignite within her. Motivated by these narratives, she made a bold decision to join CYDA’s NTL program, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Jasmin’s path was far from easy.
- Family Dependency: For years, she relied on her husband for decisions, leaving her hesitant to take independent steps.
- Financial Constraints: With a single income supporting the family, pursuing personal aspirations seemed daunting.
- Lack of Confidence: Jasmin’s limited exposure left her unsure about navigating professional environments.
- Societal Expectations: Traditional norms dictated her role within the household, discouraging ambitions outside the home.
Despite these obstacles, Jasmin’s resolve grew stronger. She realized that change must begin with her—a belief that became her driving force.
CYDA’s NTL Program supported by Bajaj Finserv equipped Jasmin with essential skills and confidence to transition into a new career.
Soft Skills Training
Through sessions focused on communication, self-confidence, and leadership, Jasmin learned to articulate her thoughts and make decisions independently. Over time, she shed years of self-doubt, emerging as a confident individual ready to take on challenges.
Hard Skills Training
Practical training in safety protocols, surveillance techniques, and customer interaction prepared her for a career in the security sector. This hands-on experience gave her the technical expertise and assurance to excel in a male-dominated field.
Breaking Barriers in the Security Sector
Jasmin’s first job interview in the security sector was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. When she secured a stable position, it marked a milestone not only in her personal journey but also in her family’s financial stability. For the first time, she contributed to her household’s income, bringing pride and a sense of accomplishment.
Wearing her uniform—a simple yet powerful symbol of her transformation—Jasmin broke free from societal norms. It represented her journey from dependency to self-reliance, from traditional expectations to a trailblazing role in her community.
A Role Model for Women
Jasmin’s courage inspired a ripple effect within her community. Women who once hesitated to voice their aspirations began to take bold steps toward financial independence. Jasmin’s story became a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of education and empowerment.
One young girl, inspired by Jasmin’s journey, expressed a newfound confidence to pursue her dream of becoming a driver. Another mother resolved to pass on these lessons of courage and self-belief to her daughter. Jasmin’s success has sparked a wave of change, challenging deeply rooted gender norms and encouraging women to explore non-traditional career paths.
Jasmin Nadaf’s journey is a shining example of how determination, proper guidance, and family support can break cultural barriers and redefine possibilities. Her transformation from a homemaker to a professional in the security sector embodies the essence of empowerment, proving that change begins with a single courageous step.
Today, Jasmin stands as a role model, not only for her family but also for countless women in her community. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities and unwavering determination, women can overcome any hardship and inspire others to dream beyond limitations.
(This article is contributed by Neela Kale, Director, Resource Mobilisation, CYDA)
