SASHAKT
Sashakt - "Empowering Marginalized Youth: Bridging the Digital Divide for a Skilled and Inclusive Future"
SUMMARY
Ladli Foundation’s Sashakt initiative, launched in 2015, aims to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized youth with essential skills, transforming the career prospects of over 25,000 students. Through eight advanced computer skill centres, Sashakt offers programs tailored to provide practical expertise, preparing young learners for success in a competitive job market. Focused on underprivileged girls and young women, the initiative equips participants with digital and vocational skills that are critical for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Sashakt is more than a training program; it’s a catalyst for social and economic upliftment, helping build a skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce.
CAUSE
With 26% of India’s population residing in underserved slum areas, access to quality education and technological skills remains a significant barrier for young people. Many students, especially girls, are forced to drop out of school due to poverty or outdated family beliefs, missing out on opportunities to enhance their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This gap in access to digital literacy, computer skills, and vocational training restricts career options and stifles economic growth within these communities. Girls, in particular, face limited choices, often confined to traditional roles. Sashakt aims to change this narrative by fostering an environment that nurtures talent, regardless of socioeconomic background, while advocating for gender equality and challenging stereotypes.
OUR ACTION
At Ladli Foundation’s Sashakt centers, marginalized youth receive hands-on training in computer skills, basic English, and essential vocational subjects. The centers prioritize underprivileged girls and women, many of whom had to abandon their schooling due to financial constraints or social pressures. Highlights of our efforts include :
Intermediate Education Support : Sashakt has helped 16,000 girls resume and complete their intermediate education, enabling them to overcome academic setbacks and regain control over their educational journeys.
Digital Literacy Training : More than 1,500 batches of girls have undergone comprehensive computer and basic English classes, provided in structured groups, equipping them with foundational skills for the modern workplace.
Vocational Skill-Building : Tailored training sessions focus on practical, job-ready skills. As a result, over 2,000 young women have been empowered to earn livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty.
Awareness and Advocacy : We actively engage communities to foster support for education, skill-building, and gender equality, creating a supportive environment that values learning and empowerment for all.
IMPACT
The impact of Sashakt extends far beyond the immediate participants, transforming communities and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society :
Skill Development and Job Readiness : Since inception, Sashakt has provided 25,000+ students with skills that are indispensable in today’s job market. By reducing the digital literacy gap, the program has enabled thousands to confidently pursue career opportunities that would have been inaccessible otherwise.
Economic Independence and Empowerment : Through vocational training, young women gain financial autonomy, empowering them to contribute to their families and communities. This newfound independence boosts self-esteem and fosters resilience, encouraging others to follow their example.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes : With the freedom to explore non-traditional careers, participants are challenging societal norms and redefining gender roles within their communities. This shift in perception is crucial for fostering long-term change, inspiring younger generations to aim higher.
Community Upliftment : By fostering a culture of education and skill-building, Sashakt creates ripple effects across underserved communities, inspiring broader support for digital literacy and education as pathways to economic growth and social upliftment.
