At a time when female labour workforce participation has hit a new low in India, if one comes across a few women (especially from rural regions where commuting is a big problem) who want to come out of the comfort zone of their house, to be on their own, it is worth mentioning.
When we started contacting colleges from Pilani for implementing youth employment programme, we had no clue whether women from rural villages would be able to participate in the programme or not. However, we were surprised to get a large number of applications from female candidates. Some of them were married. We were wondering whether they shall be able to complete the training or not. Will their husbands and in-laws allow them to work, even if they clear the training? Typically, in the villages, women are asked to prioritise familial matters over jobs.
Nevertheless, we gave them an opportunity, hoping that they will be able to achieve their dreams by convincing their families. Ritika was one of these married women, who not only attended the training sincerely but was also made the batch Captain. She was a big support to the trainer and a trouble shooter for her fellow batchmates.
Her father is an auto driver and mother a housewife. With a lot of responsibilities to shoulder, including education of her siblings, house rent and so on… her father married her while she was in the final year of her graduation on the condition that her education will not be discontinued.
An accountant by profession, her husband supported her in every way possible. Her father-in-law, who is a farmer, dropped her at the bus stop every day so that she could attend her college. When Dr. Abhilasha, Principal of Rakesh College informed her about the Youth Employment programme, someone, who was even more excited than her, was her mother-in-law. This certainly added a lot of value during the screening interview. Her confidence was unmatched.
Ritika was one of those, who cleared the written exam immediately after training completion. However, it took some time to get the final offer. Ritika is grateful to her mother-in-law, who has been a constant source of inspiration for her. “But for her support, I would not have completed this training nor applied for a job,” says Ritika. Her heart is filled with gratitude when she thinks of the help, she got from everyone, be it PARC or her trainer Mr. Anant Katyayani, or Dr. Abhilasha or the TCS team.
She is eager to get her first salary as she plans to support both the families in equal measure. Ritika’s story certainly lends a ray of hope for other married women, who wish to achieve their dreams. “With little support, every woman can touch the sky,” she believes. We wish Ritika a successful career ahead.
Our activities are aimed at transforming the lives of the poorest of the poor. Your contribution shall go a long way in attempting social change. You can be an equal partner in making Pilani a better place for everyone.
Ritika with her mother-in-law, who has supported her in every possible manner in this journey of self-reliance
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