“A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation. Provide children with the protection they need from the hazards of poverty, labor exploitation and disease and give them the knowledge, skills and confidence to reach their full potential”— Audrey Hepburn
Women & work
The quote by Audrey Hepburn also could be applied to women especially those in India. Women in rural areas carry out many of the agricultural work as well as the household tasks. In addition to food production, looking after children, women also have the task of collecting water for the household. They work many hours, often much longer than men.
Not only that but there is tremendous discrimination and exploitation even in the workplace. Women employed in the unorganized sector work for many hours at lower wage scales compared to men. They also have fewer employment opportunities due to lack of literacy and skill.
Here is how we are tackling these challenges…
Literacy is key
Literacy is key to empowering women and it is a powerful device against poverty.
That’s why KGF is working at all age levels to boost literacy and provide quality education. This happens at our Community College, Job skill, Evening Study and Daycare Centers.
We have made education affordable and inclusive for all rural children. Our main focus though, is on young girls and women—and to date, 2,000 have benefited from our programs.
Skills Empower!
A majority of rural women in South Asia are still unskilled, illiterate, and exploited.
We are working hard to provide opportunities for these women. KGF initiatives play a crucial role in empowering rural women through skill development. Job skills, technical training, and life skills are tools that provide greater opportunities. These initiatives enhance their livelihood and help them achieve financial independence. Women become strong, confident and begin contributing to their families and communities.
Our initiatives especially focus on women who for whatever reason, dropped out of school. We bridge the skill gap and provide vocational training to enhance their employability. Right now we have 32 tailoring centers, 9 computer centers and 6 Typing centers in India. There are currently 563 students utilizing these skill centers. Recently, 278 women received their certificates from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). They are now eligible to apply for government jobs. Currently 152 girls have enrolled for various courses at Sharon Community College.
Courses offered at Sharon Community College include:
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Operation Theater Technology
• General Duty Assistance
• Early Childhood Care & Education
• Fashion Design & Garment Making
• Computer Application
• Multi Media Systems
Also offered are comprehensive training programs in emerging industries. Training modules encompass areas such as agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, healthcare, and digital literacy. When finished, women gain opportunities to secure gainful employment. Many go on to start entrepreneurial ventures. Our initiatives go beyond skill development by fostering the holistic growth of women. These programs include financial literacy, leadership training, and personal development workshops.
A New Path Forward
Our tailoring program has played a vital role in transforming Shanthi’s life. She received certification to be a trainer by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Never in her life did she imagine that she could attend college.
Shanthi is 49 years old. She has graduated and is filled with hope and excitement for her future. That was not always the case though. As a young girl, she had no interest in school and dropped out while in the 10th grade. She married at age 25 and 6 months later separated from her husband. She returned home to live with her mother and younger brother. For years she has struggled to find work.
But our tailoring program has played a vital role in transforming her life. She received certification to be a trainer by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Never in her life did she imagine that she could attend college. The tailoring program is made available to women even if they have not completed high school. She is very excited and on a mission to encourage other women like herself.
Without this program she would have continued as an unskilled laborer. She would have toiled for a meager income, in a temporary job. But she is now set on a professional path and has improved her chances of earning a better livelihood.
As women go through these programs, they gain knowledge, understanding and confidence. Many go on to become leaders in their communities.