Championing Empowerment: Stories of Female Leaders

Background:

“I am content with my life,” says Kenguri Shiva Laxmi, reflecting on the struggles that shaped her into the courageous young lady she is today. Through her earnings, she hopes to provide her younger siblings—a brother and a sister—with a better life by supporting their higher education.

When their parents separated years ago, her maternal grandmother was granted custody of the three children. At the age of 13, while studying in the 8th Standard, Laxmi faced the daunting prospect of child marriage, as her grandmother compelled her to marry. Determined to resist, she sought assistance. With her friends’ help, she contacted the helpline number 1098. As a result, Laxmi was placed in a childcare institution for her safety and well-being, where she completed her Class X education.

During her stay at the institution, 100 Days Later Foundation and Cyient Foundation team conducted awareness camps with the support of Sakhi, women affected by adverse family situations.

Impressed by Laxmi’s determination and desire to succeed, they offered her an opportunity to pursue training in 100 Days Later of Initiative of women’s empowerment training program focusing on vulnerable women.

The 100 Days Later initiatives works in making unemployed semiskilled or unskilled women to gain jobs with the 100 days of market relevant skills training.

100 Days of intensive training provides necessary skills to take up jobs in the industry. Through this program Laxmi built her confidence. The team had helped her to register for the Electronics and Soldering course.

The training provided by Foundation was exceptional. It has not only imparted technical skills but also enhanced Laxmi’s self-confidence. Laxmi says “The motivational classes were transformative, helping me realize my capabilities, my interpersonal skills developed, as did my public speaking skills, which reflected in my communication and personality.”

Today, Laxmi proudly tells her friends, especially those who believe that girls cannot step out of their houses and chase their dreams: “These struggles will ultimately make you stronger. I am proud I am living a happy life. Many thanks to Ms. Pratinya and her noble intention of making women empowered”

Course Details: