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Women Empowerment

Women from Gurugram Villages Adopt Safe Motherhood Practices

In the heart of Gurugram, the women empowerment programme of Smile Foundation, Swabhiman is making a far-reaching impact on the lives of over 3500 women and adolescent girls. From daily wage workers and homemakers to small business owners and expectant mothers, these beneficiaries are receiving comprehensive support aimed at fostering self-reliance. Swabhiman strives to provide equal opportunities through quality education, reproductive health awareness, and entrepreneurship development.

A key focus of the Swabhiman programme is to create awareness about safe motherhood practices. The initiative employs various interventions such as follow-ups with Antenatal Care (ANC) and Postnatal Care (PNC), peer learning group meetings with pregnant and lactating mothers, health fairs, ANC sessions, and engaging street plays on nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, and vaccination. The project also helps women connect with government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mantra Vandan Yojana.

The dedicated efforts of the team have resulted in remarkable outcomes during the reporting period in Sarhaul and Dundahera. Notably, 104 safe institutional deliveries, immunization of 460 infants, and vaccinations for 85 pregnant women were successfully achieved. Additionally, 15 pregnant women were enrolled in government programmes, enhancing the reach and impact of Swabhiman.

Multi-Specialty Health Camps: Periodic mega multi-specialty health camps further extend the project’s reach in these villages. These camps offer free healthcare services, including doctor consultations, counseling sessions, and various health check-ups such as blood pressure, hemoglobin, eye tests, and sugar tests. Over time, local stakeholders from the community have taken ownership of these camps, collaborating with physicians, lab technicians, dentists, pharmacists, and the Swabhiman team to ensure maximum benefits to the community.

The success of the project is not just in the numbers but also in the sense of ownership and engagement it has fostered within the community. Local stakeholders actively participate in health camps, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them the most. This collaborative approach has turned these health camps into powerful platforms for community well-being.

Beyond the immediate health outcomes, Swabhiman is contributing to a broader narrative of women empowerment. By ensuring better health and reproductive care, the project is opening up avenues for women to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and various opportunities that were previously hindered by health challenges.

Initiatives like these not only address immediate health concerns but also empower women by connecting them to government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mantra Vandan Yojana. The collaboration with local stakeholders demonstrates the ownership of the community for healthcare initiatives, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

Recognizing the importance of women status in India is not just a social obligation- it is an investment in the holistic well-being and progress of the nation. Smile Foundation through Swabhiman stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowering women through healthcare, ultimately creating a more vibrant and equitable society.

Categories
Health

Reaching the Unreached through Healthcare in Indalawadi Village

Primary Healthcare Strengthening Community Mental Health


Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Anekal block, on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, lies Indalawadi village— a community that has long grappled with the formidable challenge of accessing healthcare services. Situated 12 kilometers away from Anekal City and lacking robust public transportation options, the villagers faced significant barriers to reaching essential medical care.

This quaint village, home to approximately 1,230 residents across 230 households, primarily consists of farmers and daily wage workers grappling with limited financial resources. The distance to Anekal Government Hospital, coupled with the high transportation costs, presented a formidable obstacle for the community, hampering their ability to access timely and crucial healthcare services. Consequently, many residents found themselves dealing with exacerbated health issues due to the lack of timely medical attention.

The introduction of the Smile on Wheels (SoW) project, however, has started a transformative shift for the villagers of Indalawadi. This mobile healthcare service brings medical facilities directly to underserved communities, effectively bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility. Through the SoW project, villagers now enjoy access to primary healthcare services at their doorsteps, eliminating the need for arduous and costly journeys to distant medical facilities.

In the span of just one year, SoW has made a monumental impact on the health landscape of Indalawadi. The mobile clinic has conducted a total of 1,881 consultations, addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the villagers. Notably, 76% of these consultations were dedicated to females and children, underscoring the significance of the project in providing accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations.

Amid these consultations, approximately 18% of patients were diagnosed with conditions such as Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus II, requiring ongoing check-ups and medication. The SoW mobile medical unit has emerged as a crucial player in monitoring the blood pressure and sugar levels of these patients, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. Through timely treatment and regular monitoring, the initiative has remarkably enhanced the health outcomes of community members grappling with these chronic conditions.

The success of SoW in Indalawadi showcases the transformative potential of mobile healthcare services in addressing healthcare disparities in remote communities. By bringing medical expertise directly to the doorstep of those in need, initiatives like SoW exemplify the power of innovative solutions in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, fostering community well-being, and creating a ripple effect of positive change.

As we celebrate the success of the Smile on Wheels initiative in Indalawadi, we invite you to join hands with us in making healthcare accessible to more communities. Your support can help Smile Foundation expand its healthcare programmes, reach more underserved areas, and bring about positive changes in the lives of countless individuals. Consider making a small donation here and become a part of the movement to ensure health and well-being for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one smile at a time.

Categories
Education

Education Powering Change in Tribal Children of Sambalpur

Education Powering Change for a Tribal Community in Sambalpur, Odisha

The transformative power of education is not just about empowering individual children; it has the potential to reshape entire communities. This impact is evident in the story of the tribal community living on the banks of the Malti River in Sambalpur, Odisha. With parents struggling as daily wage earners, education was not a priority for this community. The journey towards change began over two decades ago with the establishment of an educational center, which faced numerous challenges and ultimately evolved into a legacy of sorts.

In the nascent stages of the centre, months were dedicated to spreading awareness and sensitising the community about the pivotal role of education. Persistent door-to-door visits and mobilisation drives bore fruit when the first batch of students was successfully enrolled. However, this initial success was only the beginning of a journey marked by substantial challenges. The community was isolated, accessible only through the river, and devoid of roads and electricity. Navigating the river during the rainy season posed dangers that the community had to confront.

Undeterred, the dedicated teachers and the team at the centre worked collaboratively with the community, initiating gradual changes to enhance the quality of life. Simultaneously, the centre fostered a child-friendly atmosphere, emphasising the holistic development of each child. Interactive and activity-based learning sessions were introduced, ensuring regular attendance and retention in school. The curriculum was enriched with co-curricular activities such as music, yoga, sports, and art, promoting the overall well-being of the children. Health camps, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and nutrition awareness sessions were conducted regularly to instill health-seeking behavior in both tribal children of Sambalpur and their families.

From its modest inception, the school has grown into a fully-fledged educational institution with facilities for residential students and modern amenities. Over the years, hundreds of students have received education, with many advancing to pursue higher studies and secure government jobs. The transformation has been holistic, positively impacting not just the educational status of children but also fostering better economic stability, health, and overall well-being throughout the entire community.

This journey exemplifies the resilience of a community determined to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of education. The story goes beyond the mere provision of academic knowledge; it underscores the importance of community engagement, health initiatives, and holistic development. The center, once faced with challenges of inaccessibility, has become a symbol of progress, offering hope and opportunity to generations. The impact reverberates not only in the lives of the tribal children of Sambalpur but also in the broader social fabric, showcasing the lasting influence of education on communities.

The flagship programme of Smile Foundation- Mission Education (ME) focuses on the holistic development of children, especially those for whom quality education is not easily accessible and where education is not prioritised. We have reached 15,00,000 children and their families through all our initiatives in more than two decades and hope to bring millions more into the fold of positive change in the future.

Categories
Girl Child

Girl Child Education for Economic Growth and Equality

Are Report Cards relevant anymore?
Are Report Cards relevant anymore?


The educational journey of girl children in India has undergone a remarkable transformation, navigating persistent challenges and making progressive strides. Hindered historically by socio-cultural norms and gender disparities, the narrative has gradually shifted towards empowerment, thanks to dedicated efforts from various stakeholders. Government initiatives, non-governmental organizations, and grassroots movements have played pivotal roles in breaking down barriers and providing educational opportunities for millions of girls.

The significance of girl child education extends beyond individual development; it acts as a catalyst for broader societal and economic changes. Recognized not only as a means to impart knowledge and skills, education emerges as a powerful force challenging stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and reshaping societal attitudes. As policy changes and community engagement initiatives gain momentum, the educational landscape is witnessing a positive transformation.

From grassroots efforts empowering local communities to national campaigns aimed at bridging gender gaps, the evolving narrative reflects a commitment to inclusivity, enlightenment, and empowerment. The resilience displayed by girls pursuing education in the face of adversity highlights the profound impact of education on individual lives and the collective progress of the nation.

Acknowledging the pivotal role education plays in shaping the destiny of individuals and communities, the Indian government has instituted various financial incentive schemes tailored to encourage the enrolment, retention, and successful completion of education by the girl child. These financial incentives are not just monetary transactions; they represent strategic investments in the future of the nation.

Cash incentive programs have notably shifted parental attitudes towards marriage and education, making girls less burdensome in the eyes of parents. Economic incentives for girls have accelerated positive change at both the family and community levels, demonstrating their potential as catalysts for transformative change.

The relationship between girl-child education and socio-economic development stands as a cornerstone in India’s pursuit of progress and equality. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates the positive correlation between girl-child education and economic growth, as educated girls contribute significantly to productivity and innovation. Increasing female labour force participation is associated with higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and improved economic outcomes for the nation.

The nexus between education and entrepreneurship further underscores the economic benefits, making the case for empowering girls through education as a potent catalyst for dismantling ingrained gender disparities. Educated girl children in India, beyond empowerment, are more likely to participate in decision-making processes, contributing to a more equitable distribution of power.

Girl-child education emerges as a critical tool in breaking the shackles of poverty, with economic upliftment positively influencing the overall well-being of communities. Educated mothers make informed decisions regarding healthcare, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare expenses for families. Additionally, educated women play key roles in improving maternal and child health outcomes, contributing to reduced mortality rates.

An intriguing aspect lies in the connection between girl-child education and population control. Educated girls tend to marry later and delay childbirth, contributing to efforts aimed at demographic stabilisation. This demographic transition has far-reaching implications for sustainable development and resource management. Education acts as an impetus for cultural shifts, challenging discriminatory practices, and fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Investing in the education of girls emerges not only as an ethical right but as an indispensable strategy for fostering a more prosperous, equitable, and empowered nation. The evidence highlights the transformative impact of education in fostering gender equality and societal well-being, making a compelling case for continued and intensified efforts in advancing girl-child education in India.

Learn more about Smile Foundation!

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Girl Child Education

Project Manzil: Going Beyond the Traditional Professions

Reach for the Moon: A project in Rajasthan shows India’s skilling sector that girls can go beyond ‘feminine’ professions like beauty and tailoring and excel at Science, Tech and Finance
Reach for the Moon: A project in Rajasthan shows India’s skilling sector that girls can go beyond ‘feminine’ professions like beauty and tailoring and excel at Science, Tech and Finance

Reach for the Moon: A project in Rajasthan shows India’s skilling sector that girls can go beyond ‘feminine’ professions like beauty and tailoring and excel at Science, Tech and Finance

Twenty-two year old Seema from a remote village in Udaipur district joined a short course in beautician training. With the pressures of marriage mounting upon her, this was a hasty decision in an attempt to delay her marriage without much thought given to her interest or aptitude. She dropped out within a few days as she didn’t enjoy the course. But when Bhagwati Joshi, project Manzil’s Community Motivator, got involved, she encouraged Seema to look at other courses outside the gamut of ‘acceptable’ courses for women. That is when Seema chose the Office Assistant Course offered at a Skill Development Centre in her vicinity. Having completed the course, Seema started working in Udaipur city. “Just because you are a girl, it is not necessary that a course on beautician or even tailoring will appeal to you,” she recalls.

Days after the 2023 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Economics were awarded to women, and weeks after Chandrayaan-3’s celebratory images of ISRO’s women scientists went viral, Seema’s words couldn’t ring truer.

Courses like tailoring, beauty, and wellness are integral to India’s skilling sector, and need to be acknowledged in giving scores of women — especially from rural areas — an income. There is, however, a flip side to the blind, unquestioned way in which certain professions have become synonymous with girls and women, and others — such as Science, IT, and Banking— have not.

Project Manzil has been working with girls in rural Rajasthan since 2019 and has been instrumental in facilitating skill-based training and job placements. During this period, there has been a rise in the number of girls showing interest beyond traditionally ‘feminine’ professions. Sneha Chaudhury, Manzil’s Coordinator for the Dungarpur district, highlights how the number of girls opting for courses like IT and Retail has doubled since 2019.

Project Manzil, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Rajasthan State Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) with the support of Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), is currently being run in 10 districts of Rajasthan. The project actively promotes greater female participation in skill training programmes, breaking away from traditional choices. With the RSLDC sanctioning more and more non-traditional courses, it has helped create a ripple effect in the state.

Beauty, Nursing Tailoring: The Holy Trinity of ‘Women’s Jobs

Girls and women are traditionally considered caregivers, and each of these roles — is an extension of their care duties often performed at home. Girls from impoverished families are often compelled to discontinue their studies to perform care duties at home – like caring for younger siblings or tending to an ailing parent.

In certain instances, secondary schools in rural areas do not offer Science, leading girls who manage to defy societal expectations to pursue higher education to opt for other subjects despite their interest in Science. One such girl, Monika of Kotputli, Jaipur district, always had a keen interest in Science & Technology, and had to take up humanities in Grade 11. She recalls how the school offering Science was too far from her village and, being private, was unaffordable for her family. For safety, security, and financial purposes, it was not feasible for her to travel to that school every day.

Lastly, many of the ‘feminine’ jobs — especially beauty and tailoring —are also location-agnostic, mostly in the indoor domain, and don’t necessarily require women to go outdoors to work. It is common in many parts of the country for women to run tailoring businesses from their homes. Given the nature of traditional societies and the restrictions they place on girls and women, earning while staying indoors is a perfect fit for the stringent social norms in many areas.

‘Masculine’ Jobs & the Fear of the Great Outdoors

Ranveer Singh, Manzil’s Coordinator in Jaipur district, says that many of the families they have been in contact with are accepting of their girls working in beauty and tailoring. The girls on their part, too, like Seema, often opt for these sectors with little thought to their interest or aptitude. Archana, who belongs to the Chomu sub-district, had done an online beautician course before she realised her interests lay in the banking sector. Jyoti, from a village in Jaipur district, remembers the stiff resistance from her parents at the suggestion that she would go out to work. “Girls don’t go outside the villages, and any kind of job must be strictly home-based or female-centric, such as tailoring or beautician,” she recalls.

There are, however, limitations to confining girls within these conventional sectors, and many of Manzil’s Community Motivators staunchly champion and encourage girls to look outside the box. Babita, the Community Motivator of Kotputli, takes great pride in the fact that she has never admitted a girl in traditionally ‘feminine’ trades. “In my first month itself, I gave 8 admissions —and not a single one of them was tailoring or beautician,” she says proudly. “These sectors don’t offer much in terms of career development — other professions give more exposure. They prepare you for the world. There is something about going out into the world. Every girl must learn, and only then can she teach her village,” she adds. These ideas have had a cascading impact on the psyche of girls who are increasingly showing the courage to persuade their families to chase their dreams and not regret them. Archana, now nine months into her job, commands a different position within her own home. She supports her younger brother’s education, is a critical decision-maker in matters of the household and has just recently convinced her older sister’s husband to let her work in banking as well. Thanks to Archana, her older sister now also works in a bank.

In a world where women are striding ahead in fields like physics and economics and where India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission proudly showcase its women scientists, Project Manzil stands as an exemplar of how young girls through skill training can excel in Science, Tech and Finance.

(Last names of the girls have been withheld to protect their identity.)

Originally published in The Times of India. Link here.

Categories
Education

Republic Day 2024: 75 Years Into The Birth of Constitution of India

Republic Day 2023: 74 Years Into The Birth of Constitution of India
Republic Day 2023: 74 Years Into The Birth of Constitution of India

The first Prime Minister of India, the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his famous speech ‘Tryst with Destiny’ delivered to the Indian Constituent Assembly on the eve of India’s independence had said, “The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity.”

This is an interesting remark that captures not only the essence of the vision of the framers of the Indian constitution but also reveals the key to building a truly great nation.

Republic Day 2024

Every year we observe Republic Day on 26th January to celebrate the occasion of the adoption of the Indian constitution, which gave India its identity as the largest democracy in the world. As India gears up to welcome its 75th Republic Day, let us pause and ponder how far we have achieved the vision of the Indian constitution, how far we still have to go, and how citizens can collectively contribute towards the development of the nation.

Free Others This 75th Republic Day: We Tell You ‘Why’?

Education plays a catalytic role in the development of a nation. It holds the key to unlocking the potential of a country by improving the quality of its human resources. As quoted by the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

That is precisely how education has the potential to turn around the life of an individual. Education can truly empower an individual because:

  1. It equips one with the knowledge of science and technology relevant to their times. For example, the ability to use a mobile phone, the internet, or make online payments is possible when one has the basic literacy to identify alphabets, numbers, etc, and read and understand instructions.
  2.  It helps people realize their potential by revealing their hidden talents and guiding them to use them productively
  3. It increases the self-esteem and confidence level of an individual. Helps in shaping the personality of an individual with the right attitude and appropriate behavior.
  4. It imparts life skills and enables a person to make better decisions about their personal and professional life.
  5.  It improves the standard of living of a person by empowering them to have better opportunities for employment and earning their livelihood.

Any nation is heavily dependent on its human resources for its growth and development. The quality of human resources is an essential index of the socioeconomic development of the country.

Acknowledging Quality of Life in India on Republic Day 2024

As emphasized in the National Policy on Education 1986, “The human being is a positive asset and a valuable national resource which needs to be cherished, nurtured and developed. The catalyst action of education in this context needs to be planned and implemented meticulously”.

India has already completed 76 years of independence. While there has been a noticeable increase in terms of the number of educational institutes, the reality of the quality of education and achievement of educational policies is far below expectation. As per statistics, the overall enrollment at primary levels has seen a decline in recent years. 

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 states that 5.3% of rural children in the age group of 6-10 years did not enroll in school in 2020 as against 1.8% in 2018. The report further says that dropout rates at the secondary education level have been consistently high and it is more prominent among students and girls belonging to Scheduled Tribes.

Adding to it, the recent pandemic has struck a severe blow to the status of education mainly among the poor and marginalized communities. The loss of livelihood, blow to the economy, switching to an online mode of education and other factors have led to many students dropping out of the education system and losing access to the opportunity to shape their future.

On one hand, COVID-19 induced rapid growth of Ed-tech platforms making India the world’s second largest E-learning market; on the other hand, it has caused a huge digital divide disproportionately impacting the poor and disadvantaged.

Smile Foundation and Nation Building

Children are the future of our nation and education can transform their lives for the better. We, at the Smile Foundation, believe that every child is entitled to the gift of education. Education is one of their coveted constitutional rights. Hence, we have dedicated ourselves fully to the cause of children who deserve more and their families.

Through our flagship programme, Mission Education, we have provided education to 200,000 children so far. We are children not just to gain an education but also to make efforts toward their nourishment, welfare, and holistic development.

However, we can move forward in our mission and reach out to more kids only with your support. This Republic Day 2024, let us vow to bring change to bridge the gaps existing in our education system and make education inclusive and accessible to all.

Please come forward and contribute towards nation-building. Learn more here!

Girl Child’s Status in India’s 75th Year of Republic

Equality and justice are the underlying principles of our constitution.

However, despite constitutional rights, gender disparity is still a sad reality in our country. The declining child sex ratio or the number of females per 1000 males between 0-6 years of age stands as testimony to this. According to data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, the child sex ratio at birth in India in 2019-21 was 929. This reflects both the pre and post-birth discrimination against girls in Indian society.

Despite being almost half of India’s population, women are still among the neglected sections in Indian society who do not get equal opportunities in basic education and skill development. The education of girls has positive multiplier effects on society, as an educated girl grows into an empowered woman who can make better choices and informed decisions for herself and her children. 

According to UNICEF, investing in girls’ education can transform communities, countries, and the entire world. Taking a significant step in this direction the government of India has launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign to enable the survival, protection, and empowerment of girl children through various interventions.

Empower Our Girls

We, at the Smile Foundation, are also doing our bit to empower India’s daughters. With our initiative called ‘She Can Fly’ we try to support girl children in India to reach their fullest potential by empowering them with quality education, nutrition, healthcare, and necessary skills. 

We urge civil society to join hands with the Smile Foundation to give wings to our girls and enable them to fly. Please participate in educating and empowering them this Republic Day 2024; because in their empowerment lies the nation’s development.

Categories
Girl Child

National Girl Child Day: Five Ways To Support Our Daughters

National Girl Child Day: Five ways to support our daughters
National Girl Child Day: Five ways to support our daughters

India observes National Girl Child Day every year on 24th January. It is an attempt to spread awareness about the discrimination faced by girls in our society. It is also crucial because the day is observed to highlight some of the burning issues like female feticide and the skewed child-sex ratio.

Intending to increase societal awareness of the female child so that she would be valued and respected, the Indian government announced January 24 to be observed as National Girl Child Day in 2008.

Ever since then, this day has been observed every year through various events and is spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. According to a press statement issued by the government last year, the objectives of National Girl Child Day are the following:

“To create awareness about the rights a girl owns and to give girls the opportunities like everyone else, also to support the girl child of the nation and remove gender-based biases. Another objective of celebrating this day is to promote awareness about the inequalities that a girl child faces and educate people about girl’s education. Basically to value them and to respect them like everybody else and give a new perspective towards girl child and to decrease discrimination. The main focus is on changing society’s attitude towards girls, decrease female feticide and create awareness about the decreasing sex ratio.”

Why The Girl Child?

Various initiatives have been taken to support the girl child over the years. Initiatives like Save The Girl Child have been taken to stop female feticide and infanticide.

On the other hand, Post Office’s Sukanya Samridhi Yojana allows parents of the girl child to save money on her behalf. Other policies by both state and central governments aim to improve the status of girl children in India. Subsidized education, reservation in educational institutions, and free transport are some examples.

However, even today, many people might not be aware of when is National Girl Child Day celebrated in India. It can also be confused with the International Day of the Girl Child which is celebrated on October 11 each year. 

Recent Policy Initiatives

As we saw, the Indian government has been making policy decisions to support the girl child. However, even after all the efforts, the Child Sex Ratio continued to decline over decades. In the 2011 census, the CSR reached an abysmally low number of 918 girls for every 1000 boys.

Due to these worrying trends, PM Narendra Modi launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative in 2015. The Scheme’s first phase, which took place in 100 districts in 2014–15, was followed by a second phase in 61 more districts in 2015–16. After the program’s initial success, it was expanded on March 8th, 2018, to 640 districts around the country.

So, as we can see the government has been taking many initiatives for girl children. On National Girl Child Day 2024 in India, what are the things that you can do to contribute? Let’s take a look:

Ensuring Equality of Opportunity

The first step towards supporting a girl child is to ensure that she has an equal opportunity as boys. Even today, girls do not receive adequate nutrition because boys are given more food than them. That’s still a sad reality for many young girls in our country.

Girls are also more likely to drop out of school or not pursue higher education. This is because of the societal beliefs which give precedence to boys as potential breadwinners. Therefore, on National Girl Child Day in India 2024, we all must resolve to ensure equal opportunity for girls.

Whether it is education, career, lifestyle, freedom, or anything else; we must strive for an equal approach towards both boys and girls.

Freedom of Choice

One of the biggest challenges that girls face today is that they do not have absolute freedom to make their own decisions. We do not have to look too far to observe this. Do girls have the same freedom as boys when it comes to mobility?

Can girls choose where they want to live or whom they want to spend time with without having to negotiate through various excuses? This restriction of freedom can create a lack of confidence among individuals. This further reduces their chances of succeeding in life.

If we want to see more women as leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and impact creators, then we must give them the freedom of choice that they need.

Moral Policing and Body Shaming

This is one evil that has existed in societies across the world from the beginning. Whether it is the obsession with fair skin or a slim body, or it is the opinion on how one should dress; women are the first targets.

In the age of social media, we are seeing that girls are constantly facing unpleasant comments related to their attire, body shape, or how they choose to behave socially. This is again a way of restricting the freedom of girls.

If we want to provide equal opportunity to girls, then we must create safe spaces for them online and offline where they can express themselves freely.

Hyper-Masculinity and Sexual Harassment

Another big problem is the culture of hyper-masculinity where men try to dominate women. Whether it is movies or social media, behaviour like stalking or violence is shown as a romantic approach.

All this can create an unsafe environment for women which makes it difficult for them to feel safe. This is also the genesis of sexual harassment where women are objectified constantly. This may lead to crimes against women. 

While strict laws and improved security are imperative, society also needs to introspect and ensure that the reasons for such crimes are eradicated.

Patriarchal Practices

Lastly, we must work towards completely eliminating patriarchal practices. Whether it is dowry or share in the property, men find themselves in an advantageous situation. This makes the whole experience of being a woman difficult as if one is treated like a burden.


Therefore, we must identify all the small and big patriarchal practices, the taboos, and the rituals that we can do away with in the 21st century. This is the only way to move forward in a positive direction.

Smile Foundation and Girl Child

Smile Foundation through its initiative, She Can Fly is making efforts to give wings to the dreams and reality of a girl child so that can truly fly in her life in every way. Learn more here!

She Can Fly, let’s give her the sky!

Categories
Women Empowerment

Closing The Gender Gap in Financial Literacy

Financial Inclusion’s Role in Gender Equality
Financial Inclusion’s Role in Gender Equality

As the renowned figure Betty Friedan once said, “Economic equity is enormous empowerment of women. Having jobs that provide income means that women can be a more effective force, a more equal force, in the political process. Women with income take themselves more seriously and they are taken more seriously.” These words emphasize the crucial role that financial literacy plays in empowering women to make informed financial decisions. take control of their financial futures and close the gender gap.

In today’s integrated global financial market, where the range and complexity of financial products are expanding, individuals must develop a thorough understanding of finance to make choices that align with their goals and needs.

Women and Financial Literacy

Financial literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage their money effectively, and achieve long-term financial security. However, there exists a significant gender gap in financial literacy worldwide, with women being disproportionately affected.

This gender gap not only hampers individual financial well-being but also has broader implications for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Addressing this issue is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

India, like many other countries, faces the challenge of low financial literacy levels among women. According to a report, leveraging technology can be a powerful tool to empower women and bridge the gender gap in financial literacy.

Online platforms, mobile applications, and digital learning resources can provide accessible and engaging financial education to women, enabling them to acquire essential financial skills and knowledge. By utilizing technology, financial literacy programs can reach a larger audience, particularly those in remote areas, where access to traditional educational resources may be limited.

Barriers to Women’s Financial Literacy: Reasons for Gender Gap

Various studies have documented the existence of gender differences in financial literacy, with women generally performing worse than men in financial knowledge tests and exhibiting less confidence in their financial skills. In India, despite the progress women have made in various fields, including politics, sports, and technology, there are still areas where they lag behind, such as personal financial planning.

Several barriers hinder women’s financial literacy in India, including cultural, financial, psychological, and physical factors. Lack of independence, cultural norms that restrict women’s involvement in financial matters, absence of women-centric financial schemes, limited accessibility to financial institutions, lack of information on financial services, and low levels of basic education contribute to the gender gap in financial literacy.

Importance of Financial Literacy Among Women

  • Longer Life Expectancy: Women, on average, live longer than men, making it crucial for them to understand financial planning and investment avenues to secure their financial well-being in the future.
  • Economic Growth: Women’s participation in financial decision-making and investment contributes to overall economic growth by enhancing liquidity in the market and expanding trade opportunities.
  • Self-Independence: Financial literacy empowers women to be financially independent, matching their male counterparts in making rational financial decisions.
  • Freedom from Exploitation: Financial literacy protects women and society from falling victim to exploitative financial schemes and high interest rates.
  • Family Well-being: A gender gap in financial literacy can affect the relative economic power within households. Women’s control over household resources tends to prioritize family well-being, particularly children’s welfare.

Research studies have highlighted the gender disparity in financial literacy and its impact on women’s economic empowerment. A study examined the financial literacy gender gap in India. The research revealed that women tend to possess lower levels of financial literacy compared to men, leading to a lack of confidence in managing personal finances. This disparity is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, limited educational opportunities, and societal expectations.

Promoting Financial Education Among Women

To address the gender gap in financial literacy, it is crucial to promote financial education among women from an early age.​​ The importance of incorporating financial literacy programs into the school curriculum has been observed in recent studies by integrating financial education into formal education systems, young girls can develop essential financial skills and knowledge, empowering them to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.

In India, where women’s literacy rates are lower than men’s, the gender gap in financial literacy becomes more pronounced. On a global scale,  addressing the gender gap in financial literacy is the integration of financial education into the school curriculum. Several countries have recognized the importance of early financial education and have implemented programs to equip young girls with essential financial skills.

In the United States, the state of Florida introduced a mandatory financial literacy course for high school students. This course covers topics such as banking, budgeting, credit, and investing.

Prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, Melinda Gates, once remarked, “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” By integrating financial education into the curriculum, young girls can find their voices in the realm of personal finance and take control of their financial futures.

The Gender Gap Will Be Bridged

In conclusion, by leveraging technology, tailoring programs to women’s specific needs, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, it is possible to equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions. Investing in women’s financial literacy is not only an investment in their individual well-being but also a means to drive inclusive economic growth and build a more equitable society.

Bridging the gender gap in financial literacy is crucial for empowering women, promoting economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of families. Efforts to enhance financial literacy should focus on addressing cultural barriers, developing women-centric financial schemes, improving accessibility to financial services, and providing basic financial education. By prioritizing financial literacy among women, India can achieve greater gender equality and overall economic prosperity.

Smile Foundation and Financial Literacy of Women

Smile Foundation’s women empowerment programme, Swabhiman through its Entrepreneurship Development projects is making concerted efforts towards women empowerment. The projects have financial literacy workshops as one of their core elements fulfilling the essential needs for them to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs in the future.

Our girl child education campaign, She Can Fly focuses on girl child education and bring them back into the learning fold. But education’s purpose goes beyond classroom learning and fortifying their socio-emotional needs. It ultimately means the financial independence of women of all ages and their ability to make a respectable livelihood for themselves and their families. You can make a donation here for Indian women to become the best version of themselves.

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Education

What is the True Purpose of Education?

Purpose of Education
Purpose of Education

The most common purpose of education is to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Some view education as a means to nurture a skilled labour force that drives economic growth and innovation.

Others view education as a means to advance social equality and justice, or to foster critical thinking and creativity. Technology and automation are fast taking over the world and the work environment, including the education landscape. 

In most schools, the same subjects are being taught as they did in the 90s, i.e. reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and foreign languages. Incorporating technology in teaching has taken place, but there are only simmering discussions about changing what is “taught”.

Education still happens specifically from textbooks. However, the concept of education is transforming, and we must now consider the true purpose of education, which goes beyond textbook knowledge. Knowledge is useful when used to prepare you for life, make you a successful member of society, and help you grow into a good and accomplished individual and professional. This concept encompasses the entire and true purpose of education. 

When students are given the opportunity to develop their full potential and talents, as well as achieve their life goals, we can say that the ultimate goal of education has been met.

Understanding the Lifecycle Approach: Purpose of Education

There are various perspectives and viewpoints on the purposes of education but one common way of thinking about them is to divide them into four broad categories. So, the four purposes of education are– 

Knowledge and Intellectual Development

The purpose of education is to help students acquire subject mastery and knowledge. Education can help individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities that enable them to master the subject they choose to pursue. Knowledge and intellectual development should start with learning the fundamentals and then progressing to relevant or worthwhile topics– learning topics that serve students well. 

The focus should also be that the students learn to think critically, solve problems, and understand complex concepts. Moreover, one’s knowledge enables one to engage in productive conversations with their peers.

Personal Development 

Personality development is a multifaceted process influenced by numerous variables, and it goes beyond books and assessments. Personality development involves becoming conscious of oneself. It includes all your characteristics, including your strengths and weaknesses. 

Self-confidence is the most vital aspect of personality development. Being courteous is essential to one’s personal development. Education can help individuals develop their communication skills as well. This includes developing emotional intelligence, social skills, a sense of responsibility, and fostering creativity, curiosity, and a passion for learning. School interactions, extracurricular activities, inter-class, and interschool competitions develop a student’s personality.

Social Development 

Social skills are fundamental to our lives. Education can prepare individuals to participate in society by teaching them how to interact with others, respect diversity, and engage in civic life. This includes developing communication, managing emotions, teamwork, leadership, and cultural awareness skills. 

Students who have practiced collaboration, compromise, and communication tend to be more successful than those who have not. Students who have practised cooperation, compromise, and communication usually achieve greater success than those who have not. These skills are transferrable to life ahead. It’s important to give kids an opportunity to practice these skills in the classroom, like doing team projects, role plays, discussions, and playing sports.

Economic Development

Education can equip individuals with the fundamental and then specialized knowledge and abilities required to enter the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Additionally, their personal and social development through education also prepares them for the workforce. 

The true purpose of education in this context should be that students pursue an education to get employment or to enhance the quality of earnings of their current employment. This includes the development of practical skills and competencies and the preparation of students for particular careers or further education. 

Civic Engagement and Awareness of Global Issues 

The world is shrinking, and local and global awareness empowers students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values, and become well-informed and active citizens who can change the world around them. The current curriculum must prepare teachers for global education by raising their awareness of global issues and encouraging them to share their knowledge with their students. 

Education must make students aware that real-world issues have an impact on them as all countries are interconnected in some way or the other. The curriculum should teach them to identify and analyze civic problems and global issues through civic and global engagement projects, feel a sense of belonging and responsibility towards local and global communities, communicate with others to challenge the problems and apply these skills to other civic issues throughout their lives.

Meanings of Education Beyond The Norms 

The true purpose of education is likely to be multifaceted and complex, representing individuals’ and societies’ changing needs and aspirations. However, at its core, education should empower individuals to achieve their full potential. Be better prepared for the workforce and make meaningful contributions to their communities. 

The task for educators to transform education is thus daunting. For instance, the content they study to master a subject and become proficient in is not always relevant or life-enhancing. For instance, there are mathematical concepts that will be of little use in the future, and studying tons of material in social studies textbooks is not very practical. 

An overall remaking of the educational curriculum is the need of the hour. In addition to academic knowledge, learning vocational skills, tools, and technology is what the future curriculum should entail. It would make students job-ready and better equipped to succeed in their future careers.

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Education In The Spotlight Insights

Increased Neurodivergence Awareness In Classrooms

Gender Stereotyping Bad for Both Girls and Boys
Gender Stereotyping Bad for Both Girls and Boys

Neurodivergence refers to the natural variations in the human brain, resulting in diverse cognitive processing and behavioral patterns. Individuals who are neurodivergent often have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and more.

Movies have the power to entertain, inspire, and educate us about various aspects of life, including neurodivergence. Over the years, there have been several remarkable films that have explored neurodivergent characters, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and unique perspectives.

“Taare Zameen Par” is a 2007 Indian drama film that explores the struggles and triumphs of a young boy named Ishaan Awasthi, played by Darsheel Safary, who is dyslexic. It is a heartwarming and poignant tale that sheds light on the challenges faced by children with learning differences and the transformative power of understanding, compassion, and education.

The film begins by introducing Ishaan, a creative and imaginative child who struggles with academic tasks. He is often misunderstood by his teachers and parents. Ishaan’s dyslexia goes unnoticed until he is sent to a boarding school, where his academic performance continues to decline. The new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, portrayed by Aamir Khan, recognizes Ishaan’s potential and takes a keen interest in his well-being.

Nikumbh slowly unravels Ishaan’s dyslexia and educates the other teachers, parents, and students about this learning difference.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of neurodivergence awareness in classrooms. This increased awareness seeks to create an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the needs of all students, regardless of their neurological differences.

Recognizing Neurodivergent Students

The first step towards fostering an inclusive classroom environment is recognizing neurodivergent students. Teachers and educators should be trained to identify signs of neurodivergence.

They should be aware of the range of conditions that fall under the neurodivergent umbrella. It is essential to understand that neurodivergent students have unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Also, they may require tailored approaches to reach their full potential.

Inclusive Teaching Strategies for Neurodivergence Awareness

To support neurodivergent students effectively, teachers can implement a variety of inclusive teaching strategies. Here are a few key approaches:

  1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL): UDL focuses on providing multiple means of representation, action, and engagement to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. This approach allows flexibility in how students access and demonstrate their understanding of the material.
  2. Differentiated Instruction: Recognizing that students learn at different paces and have varying abilities, differentiated instruction involves tailoring teaching methods, materials, and assessments to accommodate individual student needs. This approach ensures that all students, including neurodivergent learners, can access the curriculum effectively.
  3. Multi-Sensory Learning: Incorporating multi-sensory activities and materials in the classroom can benefit neurodivergent students. For example, using visual aids, hands-on activities, and auditory cues can enhance understanding and engagement for students with different learning styles.
  4. Structured Environment: Establishing a structured and predictable classroom environment can help neurodivergent students thrive. Clear routines, visual schedules, and consistent expectations provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety, enabling students to focus on learning.

Promoting Social Inclusion Through Neurodivergence Awareness

In addition to academic support, fostering social inclusion is crucial for neurodivergent students. Here are some strategies to create an inclusive social environment in classrooms:

  1. Peer Support Programs: Implementing peer support programs, such as buddy systems or inclusive group activities, can facilitate positive interactions and friendships among students. These programs encourage empathy, understanding, and mutual support.
  2. Awareness and Acceptance Education: Conducting regular discussions or workshops on neurodiversity and promoting acceptance can help foster a culture of inclusivity in the classroom. Educating students about neurodivergent conditions reduces stigma and encourages empathy and respect for individual differences.
  3. Collaboration and Teamwork: Encouraging collaborative projects and group activities provides opportunities for neurodivergent students to work with their peers, fostering teamwork, communication, and social skills development.

Professional Development and Support

To effectively implement increased neurodivergence awareness in classrooms, it is crucial to provide teachers with ongoing professional development and support. Educators should have access to training sessions, resources, and specialized guidance to enhance their understanding of neurodivergence and implement effective teaching strategies.

Collaboration with specialists, such as special education teachers or occupational therapists, can provide valuable insights and support for both educators and students.

Conclusion

Increased neurodivergence awareness in classrooms plays a pivotal role in creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. By recognizing neurodivergent students, employing inclusive teaching strategies, promoting social inclusion, and providing professional support, educators can ensure that every student receives the necessary support and opportunities for success.

Embracing neurodiversity not only benefits neurodivergent students but also enriches the educational experience for all students. It fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the beautiful diversity that exists within our classrooms and society as a whole.

Smile Foundation’s Mission Education programme is based on inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance of students with different needs. With different modules spread out, the programme aims to cater to the needs of every child enrolled in its various centres and supported institutions.

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