By Pranali Lalage
In many rural and semi-urban areas across India, women often find themselves trapped in a cycle of limited opportunities, burdened by the responsibilities of running households and assisting in family businesses. Education, though valued, is not always seen as a gateway to financial independence, particularly when the family is struggling.
Discover the inspiring journey of a woman who broke free from tradition to embrace transformation through Non-Traditional Livelihoods—Renuka’s Path to Empowerment
Renuka Shedage’s life in Yerwada reflected the experiences of many young women in her community. At 27, with a 12th-grade education, Renuka had always dreamed of a future beyond her family’s small business. Yet, societal pressures, limited opportunities, and financial instability kept her confined to traditional roles—helping with her family’s business and managing household chores. She had no idea that the change she needed would come from an unexpected place: a community training program that showed her a new possibility.
The Struggles of a Young Woman in a Traditional World
Every day, Renuka was torn between helping her family and pursuing her own dreams. She often felt overwhelmed by the many responsibilities demanding her attention. The constant balancing act left her struggling to focus on her studies, as she faced the pressure of managing household duties and supporting the family business. There were moments when it felt impossible to keep up, and the burden of her obligations made it difficult to stay focused on her future aspirations.
Despite the family’s best efforts, the small family business barely made ends meet, and the cost of education only added to their already heavy burden. Renuka’s lack of professional skills made it even harder to envision a future where she could escape the shackles of traditional roles.
Life-Changing Moment
Everything changed when Renuka’s mother, attended a community awareness event organized by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities. There, she learnt about CYDA’s Non-Traditional Livelihood Program (NTL), which aimed to equip women and youth with skills that exceeded traditional roles, opening doors to professional careers in fields previously considered out of reach.
Despite her hesitation, Renuka was uncertain about taking the leap. She questioned whether she could manage the pressure of balancing her education, the family business, and her household responsibilities. However, with her mother’s encouragement and the promise of a brighter future, Renuka decided to move forward and enroll in CYDA’s training program.
From Self-Doubt to Confidence
The CYDA’s training program was comprehensive, offering a wide range of skills, including communication, job readiness, breaking gender stereotypes, mental health management, and financial literacy. These were not just theoretical lessons—they were practical tools that Renuka could apply to her life and her future career.
“Before CYDA, I lacked the belief in myself to even consider professional work. I didn’t think I could hold a job outside of the family business,” Renuka admits.
Through the training, she learnt to communicate more effectively, manage her stress, and look at her future with a new perspective. The training gave her the confidence to believe that she could do more than just help run a family business. She could carve out her own path.
Breaking the Mold: A Job as a Security Officer
The transformation Renuka experienced through the NTL program gave her the courage to explore job opportunities outside her family’s business. She soon secured a position as a security officer with a monthly salary of Rs.22,000/-. This was a huge achievement, not just for Renuka but also for her community, where women typically had limited career options. The stability of her job allowed her to breathe easier financially and gave her a sense of independence she had never experienced before.
“The salary helped me pay for my education, cover household expenses, and even invest a little back into the family business,” Renuka shares with pride.
In Ganesh Nagar, where many young women like Renuka were expected to follow in the footsteps of traditional roles, her achievement shattered stereotypes. Neighbors, who once thought of women as primarily homemakers, now saw her as an inspiration of possibility. “Seeing Renuka’s job as a security officer made me believe anything is possible,” said one of her neighbors, reflecting the change in mindset that Renuka had sparked.
Inspiring Change Beyond Her Life
Renuka’s journey did not just change her life; it changed the lives of those around her. By stepping into a non-traditional role, Renuka showed other young women in her community that they too could break free from societal expectations and explore careers beyond the confines of family businesses and household duties.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Non-Traditional Livelihoods (NTL) in empowering youth, particularly women, to achieve financial independence and challenge the status quo. NTL programs like CYDA’s are not just about providing skills; they are about giving individuals the confidence to dream bigger and the tools to make those dreams a reality.
Managing Work and Life: Finding Balance and New Possibilities
While Renuka’s career has flourished, she continues to balance her job with her family’s business. The skills she gained in time management and stress management through the training program have been invaluable in helping her balance her responsibilities.
“Before CYDA, I thought my world was limited to the small business and home. But now, I see so many possibilities,” Renuka reflects, her smile brimming with newfound confidence.
Her journey proves that with the appropriate support and skills, women can rise above traditional limitations and transform not only their own lives but the entire fabric of their communities. Renuka’s story is evidence to the power of Non-Traditional Livelihood programs in breaking barriers, inspiring change, and paving the way for a future where youth—especially young women—are no longer bound by societal expectations but free to chase their dreams.
We are deeply grateful to United Way Hyderabad for their partnership in creating opportunities for growth and transformation for women in Non-Traditional Livelihood programs. ( Author is the program officer at CYDA)
