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What all contributes to human capital development?

What all contributes to human capital development?
What all contributes to human capital development?

Have you ever wondered what is more important to an individual, company, or even country for its economic growth? It is definitely not just the financial capital. According to experts, it is the human capital that pushes every company and country forward. The potential of an organization is often determined based on its people from the top down. That’s why almost all the organisations invest a huge sum and build a separate team to monitor and upskill their human resources.

Understanding human capital

Human capital, in broader terms, refers to the economic value of an individual’s skills and experience. It includes assets like education, intelligence, training, skills, health and other important values like meeting deadlines, punctuality and loyalty, among others. We believe it to be an intangible asset capable of increasing productivity and profitability of businesses. But not all the labour is equal. That’s why it becomes important for a company to invest in employees to improve their quality.

The more investment a business makes in its employees, the chances of increasing its productivity and success become higher. Human capital has a strong association with the economic growth of a country. It directly helps in boosting the country’s economy. Not just that, human capital development is a multifaceted concept that is also crucial for an individual’s own progress. It helps in fostering economic growth, increasing individual opportunities and promoting social benefits.

World Bank’s Human Capital Project

Aiming to assist countries to invest effectively in their human resources through a comprehensive approach, the World Bank officially launched the human capital project in 2018. India was part of the project ever since the launch. In addition, 85 countries have signed up for the project to work on strategic approaches to transform the outcomes of their human capital. As a part of the programme, countries regularly connect to exchange knowledge and feedback.

Believing it to be the centre of their strategy for global development, the World Bank says, “Protecting and investing in people is one of three main ways we are working to reach our goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting shared prosperity in all countries. It is closely integrated with our efforts to promote sustainable, inclusive growth and build resilience across developing countries.”

About 60% of children born today will only be half as productive as they can be with complete education and full health, as per the World Bank Group’s Human Capital Index (HCI), published in 2018 and updated in 2020. The number reflects a serious human capital crisis and emphasises the dire need for human capital development.

Factors contributing to human capital development

Human capital development refers to the enhancement of an individual’s skills, abilities and other values to make them more productive and valuable in the existing workforce. Since it is crucial for the growth of individuals, businesses and the country as a whole, it is important to take it seriously.

Understanding the components of human capital development would help individuals, organisations and governments optimise their investment for better growth. It in turn will help them to widen the economy and provide innovative and sustainable contributions to society. Some of the key factors contributing to human capital development are below.

Education

Education’s pivotal role in the advancement and progress of a society makes it an influencing factor in the human capital development. With the help of both formal and vocational education, an individual will acquire knowledge that is required not just to survive but also to grow and help speed up the economic growth.

Acquiring, improving and honing specific abilities have become essential in recent times. Fundamental skills like reading, writing, and mathematics lay a strong foundation for further upskilling. Gaining specialised knowledge and expertise in a particular sector will help an individual shine better in their profession. Acquired skills need to be upskilled constantly because of the evolving technological advancements. Not just that, human capital and scientific reforms go hand in hand as it provides a productive and sensitive perspective.

Health and well-being

The physical and mental health of people is directly proportional to the formation of human capital. According to the National Library of Medicine, poor health in childhood will suppress human capital development. This is mainly because much of an individual’s physiological and cognitive development takes place before they turn five years. Not just that, early-life health will also affect the productivity of an individual in adulthood because of poor intake of nutrition.

Economic theories also suggest that human capital investments should be made early in life. Only when a person is sound both physically and mentally will they be able to increase the efficiency of their work. Brimming with innovative techniques, they are more engaged and effective in their roles.

Government policies

Understanding the importance of their roles in the formation of human capital, the Indian government has implemented several schemes that are aimed at improving health, education, upskilling, social welfare and employment opportunities. Improvement in these core areas will automatically boost economic growth.

One of the important implementations is the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The act guarantees free and compulsory education for all children aged below 14 years. Similarly, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) provides vocational training aligned with industry needs to youths to increase their employability skills. Several schemes, like the Skill India mission and the Deen Dayal Upandhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), that are focusing on skill development are also witnessed to be beneficial to the economy.

Upskill training

Another important factor that contributes significantly to human capital development is upskilling. For it keeps an individual aligned with the demands of the rapidly evolving job market and technological landscape. Upskilling improves the qualification and expertise of a human resource. It in turn makes him more competitive in the employment market. Not just that, it also helps him to contribute effectively to the business that he was part of. Thereby, not just increasing his growth but also the productivity and profitability of the organisation he works for. Upskilled employees are well capable of proposing new ideas and contributing enormously to innovative projects.

These are some of the fundamental and foundational factors that contribute to human capital development. They have a direct impact on productivity, economic efficiency and social stability of the individual, organization and country. Investment in human capital helps to create a more capable, resilient and prosperous population. It leads to economic growth, which in turn promotes the overall social progress of the country. 

About Smile Foundation’s contribution towards capacitating the nation

At Smile Foundation, we understand the vital role that human capital development plays in fostering individual growth, economic prosperity and societal well-being. Our mission aligns closely with this vision by empowering underserved communities through quality education, healthcare and skill-building initiatives. We believe that investing in people—especially children and youth—is key to creating a sustainable future.

Our initiatives enhance the economic value of individuals by equipping them with essential skills, education and health resources. Through programmes like Shiksha Na Ruke, we focus on providing quality education to children, ensuring that they have the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and success. Similarly, our Health Cannot Wait programme brings healthcare to remote communities, recognising that good health is an important component of human capital.

We also understand that upskilling is critical in today’s fast-changing world. Our livelihood programme, Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP), offer vocational training and employment opportunities to the youth, preparing them for better job prospects and helping them contribute meaningfully to the economy. By empowering individuals, we are helping build a more robust and resilient human capital base, which is essential for the long-term economic growth and social stability of our country.

At Smile Foundation, our commitment is towards driving positive change and building a brighter future for all. We invite you to join us in our mission to enhance human capital development and create a more inclusive and prosperous society. Together, we can make a difference.

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Health

The green gains of Telemedicine through better rural healthcare 

The green gains of Telemedicine through better rural healthcare 
The green gains of Telemedicine through better rural healthcare 

With a population of 1.41 billion, one of India’s greatest challenges has been ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare services. Despite various government policies aimed at improving equity and access, disparities in healthcare continue to affect households and social groups across the country. Among the many interventions introduced to address this issue is telemedicine—a broad term encompassing the delivery of healthcare services through real-time, two-way communication between patients and healthcare providers using electronic information and telecommunications technologies. The goal of telemedicine is to extend high-quality health services to low-income and underserved regions, thereby enhancing healthcare standards and accessibility throughout the country.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched eSanjeevani, a cloud-based National Telemedicine Service designed to provide healthcare services across the entire country. This platform aims to achieve digital equity by connecting patients with over 218,489 doctors, specialists and healthcare workers through telemedicine.

eSanjeevani has particularly impacted rural areas, where it has significantly improved primary healthcare services by facilitating e-consultations, on-demand care and expanded facilities. This initiative represents the green gains of telemedicine and a big step in providing accessible, quality healthcare to underserved populations in India. 

A sustained effort over years- Green gains of telemedicine

One of the most urgent challenges in rural India continues to be the scarcity of healthcare facilities. Many villages are missing even the most basic healthcare infrastructure, like primary health centres (PHCs) and hospitals. This lack of access takes a toll on both the health of the population and patient well-being. Rural areas face significant hurdles, including long distances to healthcare facilities, limited transportation options, workforce shortages and inadequate health insurance coverage.

Keeping these issues in sight, telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution. Telemedicine practices, including those integrating traditional medicine, are becoming increasingly important in rural areas since the very inception of the idea.

A great example to substantiate the same is the Amrita Telemedicine Programme that achieved a milestone on January 13, 2003, by conducting its first remote telesurgery. This procedure took place at the Amrita Emergency Care Unit in Pampa, where a critical telesurgical operation was performed to save the life of a tourist. By utilising the local telemedicine infrastructure, a cardiothoracic surgeon provided expert guidance remotely—the procedure was carried out by a paediatric cardiologist stationed at Pampa. This successful operation highlighted the potential of telemedicine to bridge distances and deliver life-saving care in remote areas.

ISRO’s efforts

Similarly, in the last few years, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides in improving rural healthcare through its Village Resource Centers (VRCs). These centres offer a variety of services, including telemedicine, tele-education, online decision support and interactive advisory services for farmers.

With approximately 500 VRCs established nationwide, these centres act as vital hubs for education and connectivity, linking rural communities with specialty hospitals and providing access to expert medical care. Similarly, Aarogyasree, a another internet-based mobile telemedicine initiative by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The overarching goals of telemedicine initiatives are to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and also reduce readmissions’ enhance patient care; and empower patients to better manage their health conditions. By bridging gaps in healthcare access, telemedicine aims to improve health outcomes and quality of care in underserved rural areas.

Environmental and economical impact

In India, the healthcare sector contributes to 2 percent of global healthcare emissions, making it the seventh-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the country. A 2019 report by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) highlights a clear correlation between a nation’s health spending and its carbon footprint. As India invests more in its healthcare sector—expanding hospital bed capacities and enhancing facilities—this investment also leads to an increase in carbon emissions. 

The emissions stem from various sources, including the energy used by hospitals, medical devices and other infrastructure. Another contributor to these emissions is fossil fuel combustion. This includes the electricity and thermal power required to operate healthcare facilities, as well as vehicular emissions related to transportation and logistics within the sector. In India, vehicular emissions are significant contributors to traffic-related pollution, further impacting the overall carbon footprint of the country.

As the healthcare sector grows, addressing these emissions becomes crucial in balancing improved health outcomes with environmental sustainability. This is when facilities like telemedicine come into play, since they don’t only have a technological benefit but also provide economic and environmental benefits.

The heavy cost

A recent study has made notable advancements specifically in the field of teleophthalmology. Published in Eye, this multi-author research evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of teleophthalmology services in both rural and urban eyecare networks in India. The study assessed potential carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions saved by reducing travel and analysed cost savings from reduced travel, food and wages.

The findings indicated that the rural network saved approximately 2.89 kg of CO2 per person and 80 km per person, while the urban network achieved more significant savings of 176.6 kg of CO2 per person and 1666 km per person. Additionally, the report highlighted considerable cost savings on travel expenses: INR 19,970 (USD 250) for the primary network (average savings of INR 370 or USD 4.6 per patient) and INR 758,870 (USD 9,486) for the tertiary network (average savings of INR 8,339 or USD 104 per patient). Significant reductions in indirect expenses, such as food and wages, were also observed.

These results demonstrate that teleophthalmology offers substantial environmental and economic benefits, making it a valuable addition to both rural and urban eyecare systems.

Telemedicine services of Smile Foundation

At Smile Foundation, we are deeply committed to using the power of telemedicine to tackle the healthcare challenges faced by rural India. By leveraging technology, we are breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring that quality medical care reaches everyone who needs it along with the green gains of telemedicine.

What excites us most about this initiative is that apart from improving healthcare access—it also supports our commitment to environmental sustainability. By reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for consultations, we are helping to lower carbon emissions associated with transportation. This approach perfectly aligns with our vision of making a positive impact on both health outcomes and the environment.

Apart from our green gains of telemedicine services, we are connecting rural communities with specialist care and are also empowering them with health education and follow-up services. It is incredibly rewarding to see how this initiative is reducing the burden on overcrowded urban hospitals while contributing to a more equitable healthcare system. We are proud to be part of an effort that is using modern technology to create meaningful, long-lasting change for both people and the planet.

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Smile

Upskilling, increasing your paycheck: Pathway to economic security

Upskilling, increasing your paycheck: Pathway to economic security
Upskilling, increasing your paycheck: Pathway to economic security

India, with its vast and youthful population, is at a critical juncture! We are one of the youngest nations of the world but our unemployment numbers are concerning too. The demographic dividend, which began around 2005-06, offers a unique opportunity that is expected to last until the mid-2050s. By 2047, India is projected to have 1.1 billion people in the working-age group (15-64 years), a peak that could significantly influence the country’s economic trajectory. However, this potential can only be fully realised if the workforce is adequately skilled and employable. 

The current employment rate is 8%, and the number of job seekers has risen from 33 million in 2016-17 to 36.9 million in 2023-24. In this context, upskilling the youth can secure jobs and enhance income, especially for those in low-paying and unstable jobs.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The economic challenges India faces today have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted job markets. According to the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy (CMIE), the pandemic-induced lockdown in April 2020 pushed the unemployment rate to a staggering 23.5%. Although the situation has improved, with unemployment rates stabilising around 9.2% by mid-2024, the job market remains precarious, particularly for those with low skills. Additionally, rising inflation and escalating costs of essentials like education, healthcare, and housing make upskilling a necessity for economic survival.

Though India’s livelihood market is vast and varied, the majority of this market is informal, with over 90% of the workforce employed in the informal sector, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). Workers in these sectors often lack formal education and technical skills, which limits their ability to secure stable, well-paying jobs. 

The government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a programme providing skill training to youth across India. While the government and private sector have launched several skill development initiatives to address this gap, these programmes often fail to reach the most vulnerable populations, particularly those in rural areas. This is where targeted upskilling initiatives become important, as they aim to bridge the skills gap by providing access to training for those who need it most.

Why is Upskilling Necessary?

The need for upskilling, the process of acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones, cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Here’s why:

1. Job Security: Automation and technological advancements are rendering many traditional jobs obsolete. Upskilling enables workers to adapt to new technologies, ensuring their relevance in the job market.

2. Increased Earnings: Skilled workers typically earn more than their unskilled counterparts. For example, a World Economic Forum study found that individuals who participated in skill development programs experienced an average wage increase of 30%.

3. Career Advancement: Upskilling opens doors to career growth by enabling workers to take on more responsibilities and move into higher-paying roles.

4. Adaptability: In a fast-changing job market, adaptability is key. Upskilling the youth equips workers with the skills needed to navigate industry changes effectively.

The Impact of Upskilling the Youth on Individuals and Communities

Upskilling has substantial impact on individuals and their entire communities. Skilled workers are significantly more productive than their unskilled counterparts. This increase in productivity can contribute to the overall efficiency of their industries, as well as lead to economic growth.

As individuals increase their earning potential, they can invest more in their families, improving access to education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. As workers become more skilled, their enhanced capabilities contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy, capable of withstanding external shocks such as economic downturns or pandemics.

Bringing Training to the Doorstep

One of the biggest challenges in upskilling is reaching those in remote or underserved areas who lack access to formal training programs. Traditional training centers are often located in urban areas, making it difficult for rural populations to access these opportunities due to distance, cost, or lack of awareness. This is where innovative approaches to upskilling, such as mobile training units, come into play.

These units travel to remote locations, offering training in high-demand trades. They also offer tailored counseling sessions, engagement programs, and real-world experience, giving trainees the tools and guidance they need to unlock their potential. By creating a nurturing environment, these initiatives help individuals explore their capabilities, ultimately leading to better job opportunities and financial stability.

What Smile Foundation is Doing?

Smile Foundation’s skilling and livelihood programme, STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Progrmame) helps disadvantaged youth gain skills and access jobs in high-growth sectors. Aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ initiative, the programme offers specialised training, counseling, and hands-on experience to equip low/no-income individuals with in-demand skills. Intending to create lasting change, we reach out to marginalised communities across India, ensuring that they have access to opportunities that can improve their lives. 

In partnership with Berger Paints India, Smile Foundation runs the iTrain on Wheels programme. This initiative upskills young and existing painters, teaching them contemporary techniques and entrepreneurial skills. The programme uses mobile training vans to reach 100+ remote sites across 24 states, having already trained over 94,333 painters. By bringing the training directly to the community, this approach helps underutilised youth overcome barriers, adapt to the changing job market, and secure meaningful employment, enabling them to become active contributors to the country’s economic growth.

Upskilling the Youth as a Pathway to Economic Resilience

By equipping individuals with the skills they need to secure better-paying jobs and adapt to industry changes, upskilling can help reduce unemployment and improve living standards for millions of people. The benefits extend beyond individuals, positively impacting entire communities. With a vast and growing working-age population, upskilling can unlock new opportunities, secure financial stability, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

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Livelihood Smile

Layered Meanings of Unemployment, Changing Quality of Life

What are Personalized Scholarships?
What are Personalized Scholarships?

Unemployment – simply defined as an absence of gainful employment – may seem like a unidimensional challenge which restricts one’s ability to financially support themselves and their family. However, unemployment is not just about that. It holds multifaceted meanings that go beyond mere joblessness. It is related to individual lives, communities, and entire economies. In India, where diverse narratives intersect, understanding unemployment requires peeling back layers to reveal its profound implications. 

Economic Realities and Mental Strain

One of the biggest effects of unemployment is that it disrupts the financial stability of an individual, putting them and their dependents in a constant state of uncertainty. The lack of a regular income makes it difficult to meet basic daily needs—food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Lack of employment often leads to an individual struggling with anxiety, extreme stress, and low self-worth. It can also make someone being seen as worthless by the community or society. This can have an adverse impact on that individual’s mental health and wellbeing.

With a reduced self-worth and constant struggle with anxiety and stress, the individual may suffer from worse effects of poor mental health. It can also put them in a state of depression. The daily struggle to secure employment erodes confidence, leaving scars that linger even after re-entering the workforce.

Identity Crisis and Social Isolation

Imagine yourself as someone who comes from a small town in India. Often, it is observed that young people move out of these towns for higher studies and later to find employment in the cities where opportunities are available. In these new cities and workplaces, these people find new social connections and create communities. This also acts as a social support to them.

However, someone who is in the trap of unemployment for long loses out on these social connections as they have to spend most of their time at home or, in some cases, move back to their hometowns until they find a meaningful employment. This can cut them off from any type of social support and isolate them.

At the same time, it is seen that work becomes a major part of our lives after a particular age. What we do becomes an important part of our identity as well. Losing one’s job can disrupt this balance and equilibrium. The question, “What do you do?” becomes loaded. Unemployed individuals often grapple with self-doubt, questioning their worth beyond their job titles.

Quality of Life and Health

Leading a mentally and physically active life goes a long way in maintaining a strong mental and physical health. However, in the absence of work, an individual might end up in a state of mind where they are constantly dealing with high stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression. This can severely affect their mental health. At the same time, this can have negative effects for their physical health too. And, if that individual does not have an emergency fund to take care of their health-related expenses, they may ignore it at the time when they are unemployed. This can further exacerbate their health problems. Reports suggest that unemployed people are more than five times as likely to report poor health compared to employees.

Beyond health, unemployment affects overall quality of life. The loss of structure, purpose, and social connections compounds the struggle. The absence of meaningful work robs life of fulfilment and purpose. The usual social activities that an individual participates in on a daily basis may become rare as they struggle with low self-worth and financial uncertainty.

Unemployment and Gender

One of the aspects of unemployment that is often ignored or brushed under the carpet is its direct link with gender disparity in our society. Unemployment affects men and women differently. In India, gender disparities persist. Women often face additional challenges—unequal pay, limited access to education, and societal expectations. When women lose jobs, the repercussions extend beyond finances. Their roles as caregivers, homemakers, and community members intersect with their professional identities. Unemployment disrupts this delicate balance, affecting not only women but entire families.

Unemployed women often shoulder a double burden—seeking employment while managing household responsibilities. The lack of affordable childcare facilities and flexible work options further increases this challenge. As women navigate this complex terrain, their mental and physical health suffer. Addressing gender-specific unemployment requires targeted policies and cultural shifts.

Financial and Professional Risk

When an individual loses their job or is not able to find meaningful employment, they tend to lose hope and may end up taking uncalculated risk out of desperation. This risk may come in the form of investing in doubtful business opportunities, taking loans at high interest rates, or putting their money in extremely risky investments. While self-employment and entrepreneurship offer autonomy, it also comes with a high risk, especially when the person does not have necessary experience, social support, financial back-up, and network.

It is also seen in many cases that highly-educated individuals end up in gig-economy because of the desperate situation they are in. India’s informal sector absorbs a significant workforce. Street vendors, artisans, and gig economy workers constitute this dynamic landscape. While self-employment provides flexibility, it lacks social security benefits. Strengthening the informal sector—ensuring fair wages, safety nets, and skill enhancement—can enhance the quality of life for millions.

The Indian Context

India’s unemployment landscape is intricate. Youth unemployment, underemployment, and disguised unemployment coexist. The informal sector absorbs many, but job insecurity persists. The rural-urban divide exacerbates disparities. The Indian government has various schemes to offer employment support to people, like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 or MGNREGA. At the same time, the government has been investing heavily in the skill of individuals and has been nurturing a healthy startup ecosystem. However, data suggests that unemployment is still a big challenge in India. While we often see this as a problem which can be solved by creating more job opportunities and filling the skill gap, we must also acknowledge that the effects of unemployment go much deeper and may be long lasting.

Unemployment is not just about statistics. It involves the lives of countless people. It impacts everyday decisions that individuals make, and it has many layers that need to be dissected to understand its true impact. Therefore, by ensuring meaningful employment for people, we do not just create a positive economic impact but also impact their lives at a much deeper level.

What are we doing about it?

Recognising the need to address the root causes of unemployment, Smile Foundation‘s Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP) is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment for youth from low-income families. By providing job-oriented skills, the programme prepares these young individuals for jobs changing their lives for good.

The programme’s holistic approach, which includes training in banking and financial services, English communication, general duty assistance, digital marketing, Business process outsourcing, and retail management, prepares participants to enter the competitive job market with confidence. Through STeP, they not only gain practical skills but also a renewed sense of self-worth and purpose—two critical factors that unemployment often erodes.

In many ways, STeP embodies the broader fight against unemployment. By equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed, we are not just addressing the immediate challenge of joblessness but also fostering long-term economic stability and personal fulfilment. For these young individuals, STeP represents freedom—the freedom to dream, to earn with dignity, and to build a life that reflects their true potential.

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Smile

Government, NGOs work to attract, retain girls in schools

Every girl who is not in school affects every other girl in the world
Every girl who is not in school affects every other girl in the world

A month ago, Child Rights and You (CRY) launched a nationwide initiative, Poori Padhai, Desh Ki Bhalai: When Girls Complete Their Education, The Nation Prospers. The campaign aims to ensure that all girl children in India get to complete their education.

Girl students do not get to complete their schooling

South India Education lead of Bal Raksha Bharat, Nagesh Malladi says, “The average dropout rate for girls in primary school is 1.4%, upper primary level 3.3% and it is very high at secondary schooling is 12.3% as boy’s dropout rate is 13% as per the DISE 2021.”

According to John Roberts, Director of Southern Region, CRY, only about 60% of girls complete class 12. “Whenever children are not in school, they become susceptible to early marriage, violence and abuse, and child labour. And girls are more vulnerable,” he says.

In this context CRY launched the awareness campaign. “We want to create awareness at different levels – among the general public, corporates, legislators — and urge people to take action locally,” says Roberts. For instance, a person can take action to ensure that no girl in their housing society, or neighbourhood is pushed into child labour. 

Right to education

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE), enacted on August 4, 2009, makes education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of six and 14 and specifies minimum norms in elementary schools.

Social, cultural economic barriers

In a patriarchal society, education of boys is prioritised as they are the ones who will earn and support the family. Minor girls are married off to reduce economic burden.

In rural areas, school infrastructure is inadequate. “For every 10 schools there are about five middle schools, and for every 10 middle schools there are just five high schools. Girls drop out of school when schools are too far away and end up forced into labor or early marriage. Our aim is to ensure that all girls complete their studies at least till class 12,” says Roberts.

Virgil D Sami, Executive Director of Arunodhaya, which works for realising child rights through child participation, agrees. “When high schools are not nearby, girls drop out as parents don’t want to send them far away to study,” she says, adding that parents are also afraid of their daughters falling in love or getting infatuated with boys. “In a coeducational school, if they see a boy talking to a girl, they pull her out of school.” 

Arunodhaya networks with local corporation and government schools, identifies dropouts and long absentees, counsels them and brings them back to school. “We also do follow-ups and provide career guidance,” says D Sami.

Government schemes to educate the girl child

The Indian government has come up with various initiatives to promote the education of girl children. The most prominent is the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao (BBBP) initiative, which was launched in 2015. 

The scheme provides financial assistance for the education and health of the girl child, especially in districts with low child sex ratio. They implement it in collaboration with state governments, union territories, and other relevant ministries, departments and stakeholders.

The setback: Child marriages soar during Covid-19 pandemic

The Indian government, NGOs and activists have been working to bring girl children back to schools. Especially as the pandemic had an adverse impact. 

On October 11, International Day of the Girl Child, Save the Children and Tufts University released the findings of a study, according to newspaper reports. It revealed that job losses and reduced household incomes due to the pandemic increased the likelihood of child marriages. One in seven (14%) mothers also felt that the pandemic had increased the risk of early marriage among girls. This naturally impacted their access to education.

Why educate girl children?

Apart from social benefits, and women empowerment, the nation prospers when more girls get quality education. According to a McKinsey study on gender equality, if all girls in India complete their education and join the workforce, our country could add a staggering $770 billion to its GDP by 2025.

“The future is truly female. More and more women in the workforce is good for the health of the economy, and in extrapolation of the nation. All our initiatives have gender-lends attached to them, so much so that they appear inherent in nature and integral to their successful workings now,” says Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee of Smile Foundation.

The road ahead for girls in schools: Collaboration is key

“Government and NGO partnerships are very essential to strengthening quality initiatives of governments and to integrate certain components like parent involvement and community involvement in school management and improving overall performance of the children,” says Malladi. 

Smile Foundation, for instance, has 405 Mission Education Centres, where early childhood education to senior secondary education is provided for underserved children aged three to 18. 

D Sami feels that NGOs and CSR initiatives can help government initiatives. “They can work with schools to provide life skills training and encourage sports activities,” she says. “By helping children have a goal in life, and improving their decision-making, leadership, and communication skills, we can see a radical change in their behaviour.”

The importance of vocational education

Smile Foundation also lays stress on vocational education and supports more than 44,000 girls under its programmes. We have designed quality improvement and system strengthening interventions to promote and support in-school vocational education, focusing on enrolling and keeping girls in school.

“Education without skills doesn’t work anymore. For girls to get out of homes and secure freedom through good jobs, vocational education plays one of the key roles in today’s job market,” says Mishra.

We also launched Project Manzil, which aims to provide counselling and employability skills training to over 90,000 young girls in Rajasthan. The project provides training to girls in streams like IT, healthcare, beauty and wellness, security, retail, automobile, apparel, home furnishing, agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

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Smile

How does Menstrual Leave help Women Manage their Lives Better?

Seema, a 24-year-old from a small town in Odisha, bagged her dream job in Bangalore after completing her higher education. She is the first-generation woman from her family who moved out of her house and hometown for work. This means that she chooses to work harder than her colleagues sometimes because of how much she values her job. However, three months into the job, she is now managing multiple projects with short deadlines. This is a stressful situation for her.

While all this is going on, she becomes aware of her impending menstruation, commonly called ‘periods’ in India. She knows that there is no other option but to continue working and meet the deadlines because ‘periods are not considered to be a criterion for a break from work’. So, on the day it happened, she just popped an ibuprofen and went to the office. However, within minutes, intense cramps and weakness overcame her. She blacked out, her vision blurred and she collapsed. This had not happened to her before. She felt embarrassed and thought it better to not share the reason with her superiors. Instead, she made an excuse and applied for a sick leave to take a rest day.

Seema’s story is not unique. Many women face similar challenges, juggling work responsibilities with the physical and emotional toll of menstruation. But what if there were a solution—a way for women to manage their lives better during their menstrual cycles?

Menstrual Leave: A Global Movement

While menstrual leave may sound like a completely new and radical idea, it is actually not the case. Japan introduced it in 1947 and some Asian countries followed suit. However, it remains rare in most of the large economies today. Not long ago, India also witnessed heated debate around this issue when menstrual leave was discussed not just in the media but also in parliament. While it did not lead to a policy mandating menstrual leaves for women, it can be considered as a step in the right direction now that the issue is at least being discussed publicly.

However, the debate around its effectiveness continues. Critics argue that it reinforces gender stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that women are less capable during their periods. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasise its potential impact on employee well-being, productivity and gender equality. To understand this better, we need to make sure that there is a deeper understanding regarding menstrual symptoms.

The Spectrum of Menstrual Symptoms

Menstrual symptoms can significantly vary for all women. While some may experience little pain and discomfort, the others especially those with conditions like endometriosis or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)—experience a range of taxing side effects. These symptoms may include:

  • Cramps: Intense abdominal pain that can disrupt daily activities.
  • Backaches: Persistent discomfort in the lower back.
  • Migraines: Debilitating headaches that affect concentration and focus.

While these may seem like issues that can be managed with simple medication, the severity can make them unbearable at times. Also, in a challenging work environment, performing with these symptoms can make it extremely difficult. Therefore, ensuring a menstrual leave during the period as per the needs of the woman may offer a huge relief and allow her to manage her symptoms well.

Women in Physically Demanding Jobs

Imagine working on a construction site or a factory floor while battling severe cramps. The physical demands of lifting, bending and operating machinery become even more gruelling during menstruation. Yet, these women often have no choice but to soldier on. Similarly, female farmers toil in the fields, often without access to clean restrooms or sanitary products. Menstrual leave could provide them with essential respite. It acknowledges their hard work and allows them to rest when needed.

Lastly, the biggest and most common example is the one that we see around us all the time – women working as domestic workers. Domestic workers—cleaning, cooking and caring for others—deserve the same consideration. Menstrual leave would acknowledge their labour and allow them to prioritise their health.

Changing Perspectives for Young Girls

For young girls, the onset of menstruation marks a significant transition. Education about menstrual health becomes crucial. Comprehensive menstrual education integrated into school curricula can break the cycle of ignorance and shame. It empowers girls to make informed choices about their health, fostering a more enlightened and empathetic society.

A big benefit of integrating menstrual health education in our curriculum is that it can create sensitivity around the issue, especially in the minds of young boys. By creating an atmosphere where everyone understands what menstruation may feel like to women and girls, we may be able to create a group for implementing menstrual leave policy in the near future.

Initiatives in India

There are a number of organisations including ours that are working on the ground to spread awareness, support young women and provide necessary menstrual health support to those who cannot access it. At the same time, as mentioned above, the discussion around bringing in menstrual leaves for women has started and has reached our parliament too. Smile Foundation has also been working in this area for a long time and has impacted lakhs of girls and women.

Through programmes like Swabhiman, Smile Foundation focuses on menstrual hygiene, family planning, breastfeeding, nutrition and reproductive health. By providing menstrual health and hygiene education to adolescent girls, we contribute to breaking taboos, reducing risks and ensuring dignity for all.

Normalise it

Leaping way beyond physical well-being, menstrual leave encompasses emotional and psychological aspects too. By normalising conversations around menstruation, we can create a workplace culture that supports women during their cycles. As India introduces its National Menstrual Hygiene Policy, let’s celebrate this leap toward menstrual equity and well-being—one that benefits not only women but society as a whole.

Categories
Delhi Half Marathon

Run Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 (VDHM) with Smile

Runners participating in World's Renowned Half Marathons with Smile at VDHM

In India, sports have always been an integral part of our cultural heritage, deeply embedded in our way of life. From the traditional game of kabaddi to the enthralling spectacle of cricket, sports are played with unparalleled passion and dedication. Over the years, India has gained global acclaim in marathons, with runners like Sudha Singh, Lalita Babbar, Gopi Thonakal and 2020 Delhi Half Marathon Gold Medalist Avinash Sable achieving international recognition.

Celebrating this special relation with sports, the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 (VDHM), one of India’s most prominent upcoming marathons is here. It is a celebration full of zeal that offers an exceptional platform for both seasoned runners and newcomers.

Bringing together global runners to celebrate their passion for running, while supporting meaningful social causes, participants can set new standards for humanity, goodwill and positive impact.

Run for Change-VDHM 2024

Unlike a regular marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is widely recognised. Awarded with the World Gold Aesthetics Gold Label, the VDHM is World’s Most Premier Half Marathon.It encourages participants to bring in their sportsmanship and blend it with their kindness to support social causes. 

Since its inception in 2005, this marathon symbolises goodness of humanity. Runners from across the globe participate in this event to raise funds for a cause they believe in. Over these years, VDHM has established itself as one of the largest sporting platforms for Philanthropy in India and has benefitted over 500 NGOs in India by raising funds more than INR 81.24 Crores. 

One of the most unique marathons, VDHM brings together like-minded individuals promoting collective power, a healthy lifestyle and charitable giving. It has set a benchmark for social consciousness through running.

Benefits of Running at Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon: One of the Upcoming Marathons in India

Scheduled annually in the early hours of a crisp October Sunday, VDHM offers a unique opportunity to experience Delhi at its most enchanting. Participants can enjoy a refreshing autumn morning as they traverse a scenic route through Delhi’s lush green lanes and past iconic landmarks, making for an unforgettable running experience.

VDHM is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants from various age groups, from under 18 to over 60. This year’s categories include:

  • Social Impact Young Leader (Below 18 years of age)
  • Social Impact Initiator
  • Social Impact Maker
  • Social Impact Uplifter
  • Social Impact Leader
  • Social Impact Champion

VDHM 2024 to be held on October 20th, welcomes individuals, teams and organisations to ensure broad participation and recognise dedication. This inclusive approach allows a diverse group of participants to unite in solidarity for the causes they believe in.

Participants will receive digital visibility via United Way, exclusive run-day access, free registration, custom BIB numbers and certificates. Additionally, runners will gain media exposure through television coverage, acknowledging their commitment and contributions.

The VDHM 24 also provides an exciting opportunity for runners of all levels. More than a sporting event, it is a celebration of life, health and the collective effort to spread goodwill.

Run Upcoming Delhi Marathon With Smile

Participating in Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon with Smile Foundation offers a unique chance to merge athletic achievement with social impact.

Smile Foundation works for and with the communities in the urban poor, rural and tribal areas of India to address critical issues in education, health and livelihood. By partnering with Smile Foundation, runners contribute directly to the transformative education of underserved children in rural and tribal areas of India.

Smile Foundation’s Shiksha Na Ruke initiative exemplifies its dedication to educational equity. This programme delivers holistic learning experiences at Mission Education centres. It is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and educational reforms of the state, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and STEM education. These centers provide academic instruction and comprehensive support, contributing to the overall development of children.

Smile Foundation employs a lifecycle approach to ensure that no child is denied access to quality education and development. From early childhood through adolescence, children receive continuous support, helping them build a solid foundation for future success and positively impacting their communities.

By running with Smile Foundation at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024, each stride shall support these vital educational initiatives. Runners will empower underserved children, enabling them to complete their education and create positive community change.

This partnership between athletic endeavour and social responsibility shall underscore each participant’s efforts in transforming personal achievements into a collective force for good.

The best of the upcoming marathons

One of the best upcoming marathons-Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2024 presents an extraordinary opportunity. It is ideal to integrate athletic ambition with charitable impact. Participants can support Smile Foundation’s mission to enhance education for underserved children while celebrating their running milestones.

Ready to Run for Education? Ready to Shine in World’s Most Celebrated Half Marathons?

Join Smile Foundation at VDHM 24 to empower young dreamers with quality education.

Register your run with smile by clicking here.

Categories
Education

Transformative Impact of First-Generation Learners

Transformative Impact of First-Generation Learners
Transformative Impact of First-Generation Learners

Every student carries a unique narrative shaped by their personal experiences and journey. For first-generation learners—those who are the first in their families to attend college or university—the educational experience can often feel particularly daunting. They are a unique and inspiring part of the educational landscape, navigating significant obstacles and uncharted territory for their families. Their journey not only showcases resilience but also has the potential to drive both personal and communal growth.

Trailing through difficulties

First-generation students frequently come from historically underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds that have faced systemic oppression. They often find themselves entangled in financial constraints, juggle numerous responsibilities and navigate complex educational systems without the benefit of familial guidance. This lower socio-economic status often translates into a comparative lack of material resources that the student needs to be academically successful. In fact, these students frequently find themselves at crossroads: while educational institutions may not offer the same support or opportunities as they do to their more privileged peers, these students are forced to forge their own paths without the support of family. 

A series of studies conducted over the past few decades highlight a significant gap in support for first-generation learners compared to their peers. For instance, Kuljeet Kaur Brar’s research, titled ‘Educational Problems of First-Generation Learners and Non-First-Generation Learners in Relation to Achievement Motivation and Home Environment’, indicates that many first-generation learners experience an inferiority complex, which often leads to shyness and reduced responsiveness in the classroom.

Additionally, these students frequently face challenges in gaining recognition and may encounter disapproval from teachers, who, in turn, may exhibit discriminatory behavior towards them. This underscores the systemic barriers and biases that first-generation learners must navigate in their educational journey. Similarly, in her article, Aishwarya Raj, a first-generation student, explores how caste and class significantly shape the educational experience in India. Raj’s insights reveal how these social factors create barriers that impact students’ access to and success within the educational system. 

Inclusion

Within first-generation learners, each student brings its own set of unique challenges. For instance, students from war-torn regions often face displacement, which can lead to profound trauma and emotional distress. Students who come from such disrupted environments might lack foundational educational experiences and support systems, further complicating their ability to thrive in a new academic setting. These compounded effects highlight the need for tailored support to address these diverse and significant obstacles.

Catalysts of change

Research indicates that students from underrepresented backgrounds often struggle to complete high school, let alone pursue higher education. In such a scenario, there is no doubt that attainment of a degree or diploma opens up new career opportunities that were previously inaccessible. This in turn leads to improved job prospects, higher earning potential and greater job security. The confidence gained through academic success often extends into other areas, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and empowerment that profoundly alters their outlook on life. 

Most importantly, first-generation learners can create opportunities for many. Once first-generation learners join the workforce, it also opens doors to the family and in turn their community to lead a better life. This further leads to a ripple effect which gives rise to more role models within the communities, which, in turn, inspires future generations to focus on education. Their impact on their communities is the most significant. As they achieve milestones in their respective professional fields, they become role models and sources of inspiration for others in their community. Their accomplishments demonstrate that higher education is attainable, thereby motivating younger generations and peers to pursue similar goals.

Case studies

Take the case of Raju Kendre, a first-generation learner from a nomadic tribe community from Central India whose lived experience motivated him to start ‘Eklavya India’, an organisation that attempts to aid first-generation learners pursue higher education and promotes  grassroots leadership in his home region. In an interview with Forbes, Kendre talked about an experience that highlighted the cultural and socio-economic barriers the students face. He shared how when speaking to students who were first-generation learners, he asked about premiere public institutes like Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Jawaharlal Nehru University and how not a single student raised their hand to express their willingness to join those institutes because they felt so discouraged.  

Kendre’s work highlights how first generation learners can eventually become actively involved in community service and use their educational experience to address local issues, contribute to community development, and advocate for policies that promote educational access and equity. It won’t be an overstatement that helping one student from the community can allow the upliftment of the larger community. One can witness how this can help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and inequality. This upward mobility has a cascading effect, as improved financial stability often leads to better living conditions for subsequent generations.

Moreover, the success of first-generation learners can shift family expectations and values towards education. Parents and siblings who may have previously viewed higher education as an unattainable goal can see it as a viable path, leading to increased emphasis on educational attainment within the family. 

A long way forward 

Despite their impressive accomplishments, first-generation learners often encounter persistent challenges such as navigating systemic barriers, juggling multiple roles, and meeting high expectations. These obstacles can make it exceedingly difficult for them to break into formal workplaces or advance up the corporate ladder, even with higher education. To address this, we need a robust system that fosters educational equity and ensures a level playing field for everyone. It is crucial to recognise and support the transformative potential of first-generation learners, who drive significant change in their own lives and their communities. 

Smile Foundation has been instrumental in supporting first-generation learners, recognising the unique challenges they face and the transformative impact they can have on their communities. Through initiatives like the Mission Education programme, Smile Foundation has provided access to quality education for underserved children, many of whom are first-generation learners. This programme not only focuses on academic learning but also on creating a nurturing environment that helps these students overcome the systemic barriers they face. By offering support in the form of scholarships, mentorship and skill development, we provide students with the resources and guidance they need to navigate the complex educational landscape.

Beyond education

In addition to its work in primary and secondary education, Smile Foundation’s Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment for first-generation learners among others. This programme offers vocational training that equips young people with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment, thereby breaking the cycle of participation that often holds their communities back.

By focusing on both education and employability, we are helping first-generation learners not only achieve their own dreams but also become catalysts for change within their families and communities. Their success stories inspire others to pursue education and strive for better opportunities, creating widespread social and economic upliftment.

Categories
Smile

Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest

Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest
Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest

In the early hours of July 30, 2024, a devastating series of landslides occurred in the hilly regions of Kerala’s Wayanad district. Tragically, it resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and several individuals sustaining injuries. Climate change has brought about a noticeable shift in monsoon patterns, resulting in unpredictable and irregular rainfall. According to a senior climate scientist, the previously pleasant and humid climate has transformed into one with drier, hotter summers and heavy monsoon rains due to climate change, raising the likelihood of landslides.

Climate change brings the risk of severe droughts, intensified storms, heavy rainfalls, scorching heat waves, rapid melting of glaciers contributing to sea-level rise, floods and declining biodiversity. However, these effects are not evenly distributed globally and those living in poverty are the most severely affected. 

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change presents a looming threat to all countries. The Earth’s average temperatures and weather conditions are undergoing a significant long-term shift.  

The natural greenhouse effect of Earth is being altered by human activities. The accumulation of an excessive amount of greenhouse gases can result in the Earth’s atmosphere retaining an unnatural and increasing amount of heat. The main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emissions include energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use. 

Why the Poorest Are the Most Vulnerable

Unpredictable rainfall and severe weather have the potential to spark fierce competition for food and water, loss of livelihoods, risk of relocation and lack of access to healthcare. Millions could be driven further into poverty as environmental conditions deteriorate. Let us understand how the poorest are most vulnerable.

Loss of Livelihood

Agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries, account for a major source of livelihood in rural poor and forest-dwelling households. The significant changes in rainfall patterns and the disruption of the growing season caused by climate change result in destruction of crops and the loss of livestock. In contrast to people in affluent countries, farmers in low-income countries lack insurance, which facilitates disaster recovery. When climate change-related disasters force them to abandon their land that sustains them, they frequently descend further into poverty. 

Climate change also impacts fisheries. Fish populations migrate as the oceans warm up more rapidly than land, resulting in the destabilisation of marine ecosystems. 

Impact on Health

Forest fires are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, putting millions of people’s health at risk each year. Air pollution from industries and cars disproportionately affect disadvantaged people who live in densely populated regions near industrial facilities. Climate change affects people’s health in other ways as well. Deadly heat waves are growing increasingly regular in certain parts of the world, endangering persons in poverty who cannot afford air conditioners or protection from water scarcity. 

Rising temperatures are also causing climate-sensitive diseases, such as malaria. Water- and food-borne infections are also becoming more widespread as a result of increased flooding, which pollutes streams and farmlands. 

Climate Refugees

According to the World Bank’s Groundswell assessment, climate change may cause up to 216 million people in six global regions to relocate inside their respective countries by 2050. Over the last 30 years, sea levels have risen and the intensity of floods and hurricanes has increased, putting residents in coastal communities at risk. The majority of these are from poor developing countries and small island states. Floods devastate homes, water supplies, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods. It takes years for the area to recover and stabilise. Displacement can force a person into poverty by removing them from their home and being unable to transfer their previous wealth to their new environments. They struggle to find work and regain security. Drier weather conditions are also displacing farmers forced to evacuate their land due to terrible droughts in recent years. 

Food and Water Scarcity

According to WHO, drought might displace up to 700 million people by 2030. Crop yields vary from year to year, and climate change is a particularly disruptive factor that is changing global food supply, threatening people with poverty and food insecurity. Droughts have become devastatingly prolonged, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in widespread crop failures, animal mortality, food and water shortages and poverty. 

By 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in locations with limited access to clean water. Access to safe water for drinking and practicing basic hygiene is severely limited due to water scarcity. In situations where water is in short supply, the functioning of sewage systems can weaken, leading to an increased risk of diseases such as cholera. Access to water also gets expensive.

Mitigation Strategies

The struggle against climate change and poverty are inextricably linked. The way forward is to invest in resilience and coping strategies, such as better irrigation and the distribution of resilient and improved seed varieties, providing access to financing, grants, markets, telecommunications and data that can increase harvests. They can fund reforestation and coastal restoration initiatives to improve water security, protect people from natural calamities and generate economic possibilities. 

To effectively reduce the vulnerability of the poor to climate change, it is essential to implement strategies that focus on building resilience and providing access to essential resources. These strategies include investing in sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to clean water, and ensuring that vulnerable communities have the necessary infrastructure to withstand climate-related disasters. Furthermore, educating communities on climate-resilient practices and providing access to financial resources such as microloans and grants can empower the poor to adapt and thrive in changing environmental conditions.

Our efforts

Smile Foundation recognises the deep impact climate change has on impoverished communities and is actively working to mitigate these effects through various initiatives. Our programmes focus on enhancing the resilience of marginalised populations by providing education and resources to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. Through these efforts, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and resilience.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Women and their Sports in India

Women and their Sports in India
Women and their Sports in India

In a white saree with tri-colour design, the two-time Olympic medalist, PV Sindhu, led the Indian contingent in the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 26 along with Achantha Sharath Kamal. She was delighted to hold the Indian flag in front of millions. She served with excitement and pride. For she believed it not just to be a one-time opportunity but also her life’s greatest honour.  Sindhu is the second woman athlete to have served as an Indian torchbearer in the Olympics. The first Indian torchbearer at the Olympics was Mary Kom, and she served as a torchbearer for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This representation, considered a milestone in Indian sports history, is the reflection of the growing recognition and prominence of Indian women athletes on the global stage. But this has not happened easily for the Indian women players.

Following her heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she was set to become the first Indian woman to compete in a wrestling final, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport. Despite a remarkable run to the final, including a win over the defending Olympic champion, Vinesh was disqualified after failing to make weight for the gold medal bout, leading to dehydration and a subsequent visit to the Olympic Village polyclinic. Her retirement marked the end of a distinguished wrestling career.

Women in Olympics

Though India has been competing in the Olympics since 1900, Indian women athletes made their first representation only half a century later. Their first appearance was in the 1952 Olympics that took place in Helsinki, Finland. The first Indian woman athlete to participate in the Olympics was Nilima Ghose. Alone with Ghose, three other women—Mary D’Souza, Dolly Nazir and Arati Saha—also made their appearance at the event.

Though the Indian women’s squad at the Olympics has been growing since their first appearance, it took the athletes at least another half a century to win their first medal. They have come a long way since weightlifter Karnam Malleswari scripted history by bagging a medal at the Sydney 2000 games. She won the bronze medal. She was closely followed by Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal with their bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2016, women athletes were the only Indian medal winners at the 2016 Rio Olympics. While PV Sindhu bagged a silver medal in badminton, Sakshi Malik won a bronze medal in wrestling.

Athlete Mirabai Chanu became the second Indian weightlifter to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic. PV Sindhu made history at the game by becoming the first Indian woman and only the second Indian athlete to bag two individual medals in the Olympics.

It might have been disappointing for many in the 20th century to see the Indian women athletes return home empty-handed. But they have strongly hit the gender line, which cracked and broke over a period of time. The fruit of their efforts has become evidenced by the rise in the number of women athletes representing the country at the Olympics. This year, a 117-member Indian squad has travelled to the French capital to participate in the summer Olympics. Of which, at least 40% are women.

Challenges faced by girls in pursuing sports

Though we talk about the rising number of women players proudly, the country continues to see reluctance from parents of girl children in letting their children off in the playground. Even if they are involved in sports, girls are taken out of it before they finish high school or once they attain puberty. A survey conducted by the Women Sports Foundation says that the number of girls dropping out of sports is multi-fold higher than boys. Below are some of the challenges and issues that ignite the dropout rate fiercely.

  1. Social stereotypes: Despite all the glories women players bring home, many of the Indian households continue to believe sports as a male arena and refuse to let their girls enter it. It is because of the old and common notion that sports are less appropriate for girls who are considered to be fragile and not as strong as boys. Though times have changed and women have started joining the potential workforce in a large number, domestic roles continue to be an important feature in their hats. As a result, families discourage girls from participating in sports, fearing social stigma.
  2. Lack of female trainers and infrastructure: Sports as a career for women is not prioritised by many. The hesitation becomes evident when one looks at the number of physical education trainers at schools and other coaching centers. It is mainly because of the income disparity. Female instructors are only paid half of what their male counterparts take home. Many Indian households refuse to let their girls be trained by male trainers because of safety concerns. Also, not all the districts in the country have accessible infrastructure for players. It makes it inevitable for the players to move to other cities. While many households are willing to let their boys move, they take their girls out of sports.
  3. Lack of awareness: One of the significant factors contributing to lower participation of girls in sports in limited exposure. Not many seem to be aware of the available opportunities in sports and the potential career paths that players can pursue. In rural and remote areas, people have inadequate information about the sports programme, scholarships, and training facilities. This in turn has motivated many households to take their girls out of sports after a period of time.

Smile Foundation’s role

The Indian government and NGOs have been taking numerous steps to increase the participation of women in sports. While the government has been focusing on improving the infrastructure and training quality, volunteer organisations have been working hard to involve children in sports. The first steps towards improving women’s participation in sports are pulling them to the school and creating awareness. That was done effectively by Smile Foundation. Our interventions help children to have access to equal opportunities for school competitions and equitable learning.

We have established 405 Mission Education centres to help children aged between 3 and 18 years. We have been working hand in hand with the government to improve infrastructure and other facilities at government schools.

This year, we have completed 12 government collaboration projects. We have also been focusing on enabling learning environments at many places. As a part of this, we have distributed essential learning items, including books and stationery, and sports material to students. In partnership with Sportz Village Foundation, we provide specialised training to selected players and instructors. In the year 2022–23, about 1.20 lakh students were benefitted, of which 60% are girls. More than 25,000 children are benefited through infrastructure support and about 2000 girls received scholarships to pursue their higher studies.

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