By Aarti Berad, Gender Specialist
Supported by Bajaj Finserv
Women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping inclusive and sustainable communities. When women are given access to education, skills, and opportunities, they transform their own lives and uplift their families, inspiring others around them. Empowered women bring innovation, stability and compassion to the economy, becoming powerful agents of social and financial change.
Madhuri Shinde, 24, is a homemaker from Ahilyanagar. She has completed her education up to 12th grade. Most of her days were spent managing household chores and caring for the family. Her husband works as a daily wage labourer earning a minimal income. Hence, financial stability was a significant concern. Madhuri used to look for opportunities to learn new skills and build a career, but she had limitations due to a lack of financial resources.
The Ahilyanagar Skill Centre, run by YouthAid Foundation, supports marginalised women by providing skills-based and employment-oriented training that includes soft skills, computer training, personality development, and communication skills. Through these programs, women gain confidence, digital literacy and access to employment opportunities, enabling them to become financially independent.
During a mobilization drive in Shendi village, YAF representatives reached out to local women and introduced them to the Soft Skills Training program. Madhuri decided to enroll in it. Through this training, she gradually developed confidence, improved her communication and learnt to work effectively in a team. After completing the Soft Skills course, she learned about the free Computer Training (MS Office) program offered by YAF. Encouraged by her earlier progress, she joined and successfully completed the 3-month course.
Initially, using the computer was intimidating, as she often struggled to find the right keys, lost the cursor, or forgot where files were saved. However, with patience and guidance from her YAF trainers, she continued learning. Following their advice, “Mistakes mean you are learning”, she kept practising and gradually succeeded.
The Soft Skills and Computer Training programs by YAF transformed Madhuri’s life.
She is now confident in using computers and digital tools. After completing her training, she secured a job at Konark Shop, earning Rs. 10,000/- per month. Her income has brought financial stability to her family, and she now contributes to their household expenses.
Her husband and family are proud of her accomplishments. Madhuri says with a smile, “Earlier, I only saw others using computers and thought it was beyond my reach. But today, that same computer is in my hands. YAF gave me confidence and skills. Now I can support my family and dream of a better future.”
The journey of Madhuri Shinde demonstrates that with appropriate guidance and access to training, young women in rural areas can achieve digital empowerment and acquire the skills necessary to succeed in today’s technologically driven world. Training in soft skills helps foster confidence, enhance communication, and cultivate leadership qualities, whereas employment-focused programs provide pathways to financial independence and improve self-esteem. Together, these efforts elevate the standard of living and boost the self-esteem of women in rural communities. Let us unite to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities.
