#RiseToBeFuture-ready

Skilled and strong: Empowering women through upskilling

Misbah, Selvagomathy, Pooja, and Saloni, four individuals from diverse backgrounds, have one thing in common: they have all been trained under Mahindra's various skilling programmes and initiatives. These programmes have equipped them with the right skills and nurtured their spirit, helping them build a brighter future. These women embody the success that can be achieved with the right skills and the right spirit, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Let’s take a look at their stories.

Misbah Fatima

A housewife from Buchinelly village, Fatima found an opportunity to contribute to her family's income through Mahindra Farm Division's CSR programme, "Livelihood Generation through Farm Mechanisation." Partnered with the NGO Centum Foundation, the programme trained rural youth and women as tractor operators and agriculture machine operators. In just 20 days, Misbah learned tractor driving skills and obtained a permanent licence. She and her husband leased 10 acres of land at no cost, sharing a percentage of the proceeds upon selling the products. They purchased a new tractor and utilised credit loans from their SHG for the down payment. With improved cultivation techniques and farm mechanisation, Misbah's monthly income increased from INR 15,000 to INR 60,000, including an additional INR 45,000 from tractor driving and rental services. Misbah’s inspiring story will be featured in a movie advocating women’s entrepreneurship through the UdyamStree Campaign by the EdelGive Foundation.

Selvagomathy

Selvagomathy, a B.Sc microbiology graduate, faced the responsibility of caring for her single mother while seeking employment. Her friends recommended the General Duty Assistant training offered by the Ma Foi Foundation in collaboration with Mahindra Research Valley. Through the programme, Gomathy honed her skills and excelled as a dedicated student. During her on-the-job training at SRM Hospital, she gained experience in various departments and even worked in the psychiatry ward. After completing the three-month training, Gomathy secured a full-time position at MedPlus Pharmacy, closer to her home. Her newfound economic freedom allowed her to purchase a brand new Android mobile and gold earring. With a salary of INR 12,875 per month, she plans to save for a brighter future.

Pooja Arya

Pooja, the daughter of a hard-working garment shopkeeper, faced financial struggles in her family. She took on the responsibility of supporting her father. However, her fear of strict people and being in a workplace held her back. Pooja’s friend introduced her to Mahindra Pride Classroom and encouraged her to attend a week-long employability skills training. The programme boosted her confidence through activities and presentations, while industry discussions prepared her for interviews. Overcoming her fear, Pooja secured a job at Mahindra CIE as a trainee. She credits Mahindra Pride Classroom for the free training programme that transformed her life.

Saloni Pal

Saloni Pal, a farmer's daughter, faced challenges as she pursued her education away from home. Determined to provide a better life for her family, she sought continuous learning opportunities, even during the pandemic. Working as a part-time tutor, she supported her father financially. Saloni discovered Mahindra Pride Classroom (MPC) training at her college, offering hope for her career. The programme helped her gain confidence in presentations and interviews and clarified her ambiguity about industry requirements. Her first earnings as a tutor brought tears of joy to her parents' eyes. Today, as a full-time employee, she credits MPC for transforming her life and enabling her to face interviews with confidence.

With the right skills and a determined spirit, they have overcome challenges, achieved success, and built brighter futures for themselves and their families. Their stories inspire others to harness their potential and pursue their own paths to success.

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