We were to interact with a group of young women from the lower economic group, who were undergoing skill building training (being hand held by an NGO to help them stand on their own feet); We were told that they spoke very little English and that most of them were school drop outs. They were to be motivated and empowered to gain from their skill building initiative that they had enrolled into. We had expected to meet a group of meek and mild youngsters, instead what we found was ambitious young women, despite a background that was not so forthcoming. They had fire in their eyes to break through their binding boundaries, a desire to excel, a presence and grooming that brought out their innate and natural beauty. In short it was a pleasant surprise to meet them. These young ladies were training to be beauticians!
In the session that followed, they had stories to share, of happiness, of life’s sorrows and ups and downs. The courage they developed in sharing their stories was enormous. One of them had returned to her parents’ house after a separation from her spouse. She had two younger sisters, and the financial status of the family was not rosy. Her story brought tears to her eyes, but along with it came courage and determination that was truly inspiring. She dreamed of opening a chain of beauty parlours and the income from that was to educate and marry off her siblings and support to her father financially. She promised that she would let us know when that happened, and we wait for the day for our phone to ring!
There were many stories that were heart-warming. A second that carved a niche in our minds was the story of a young girl from a remote village in the North, who was married in to a joint family of 17 members, and the ladies of the house did not work. It was a challenge for her to even come out and take the training, with eyes sparkling she asks, “What’s wrong if I contribute monetarily to the welfare of my family”?
If all of this is not women empowerment, what is? We truly felt humbled to have spent valuable time with these timeless beauties!
If all of this is not women empowerment, what is? We truly felt humbled to have spent valuable time with these timeless beauties!
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