Smile Foundation India
SUPPORT A CAUSE
Logo
Smile Foundation India
DONATE NOW

Author: Smile Foundation

Categories
Women Empowerment

Closing The Gender Gap in Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
Health

Achieving the Dream of Universal Health Coverage

Quality Public Healthcare in Rural India for Better Implementation
Quality Public Healthcare in Rural India for Better Implementation

The nations of the world adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, setting universal health coverage (UHC) as one of the primary goals.

Universal health coverage recognizes healthcare as a basic right for all individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines UHC as the provision of quality health services to everyone, whenever and wherever they need it, without causing financial strain. The aim is to improve the overall quality of life and healthcare globally.

A Brief History

The concept of universal healthcare began to emerge after World War 2, with Germany being the first country to act on it through the Sickness Insurance Law in 1883. Subsequently, countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, Nordic countries, and Egypt established their own universal healthcare systems. Presently, 72 countries around the world have successfully achieved UHC, ensuring both accessibility and affordability of healthcare.

Accessibility and Affordability – The Two Essential Components

The terms “accessibility” and “affordability” are crucial in achieving UHC. Accessibility means ensuring that all healthcare services established by the government are available to both urban and rural populations. It involves more than just setting up hospitals and clinics, encompassing all aspects of healthcare, such as medication availability, well-trained doctors, and quality primary healthcare.

Affordability plays a vital role in UHC, aiming to eliminate the financial burden of healthcare. According to the WHO, around 100 million people are driven into poverty due to unaffordable medical bills. To address this, UHC focuses on reducing the costs of healthcare facilities and medical professional fees. However, it raises questions about fair compensation for medical professionals and the funding required to sustain healthcare facilities.

Funding for UHC

Funding for UHC is typically achieved through a mixed model, primarily relying on government taxation and social insurance. This approach ensures that healthcare is indirectly funded by the population without imposing additional charges, making it affordable for all. Other funding methods include compulsory insurance, single-payer systems, tax-based financing, social health insurance, private insurance, and community-based health insurance.

India’s Journey Towards Universal Health Coverage

India has made efforts towards achieving UHC through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PMJAY), providing insurance coverage to the poorest 40 percent of the population. While PMJAY is an advancement over previous schemes, it falls short of ensuring universal health coverage. India faces challenges in terms of healthcare quality, particularly in rural areas. Neglect of primary health care is another hindrance that needs to be addressed.

Primary health care is extremely crucial to achieve the objective of universal health coverage. It is a whole-of-society approach to achieve the highest possible level of health and well-being. It includes advisory and counseling services, educational programmes that aid in spreading awareness about the prevention of chronic diseases, etc. Having an effective strategy for primary health care is highly crucial for UHC. 

India has made a lot of progress from its initial set-up to achieve universal health coverage, but the country still has a long way to go. 

The Road Ahead for Universal Health Coverage

Universal health coverage is a significant milestone that nations strive to achieve under the SDGs 2030. It recognizes the fundamental right to health for all individuals. While remarkable progress is being made, there is still much work to be done to turn the dream of UHC into a reality. It requires rigorous efforts and effective strategies to improve healthcare quality and prioritize primary healthcare.

In conclusion, achieving universal health coverage is a monumental task that demands the commitment of nations worldwide. It represents hope for a future where everyone can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

Smile Foundation and Universal Health Coverage

Daily wage labourers living in urban villages and remote rural population of India faces challenges in accessing quality healthcare in India. Believing that health-seeking behaviour is established when healthcare is taken to the doorsteps of those who need it the most, Smile Foundation’s healthcare programme, Health Cannot Wait is present in more than 700 villages and slums of India including 14 aspirational districts of the country.

Reaching the unreached through fully-equipped Mobile Healthcare Units staffed with doctors and paramedics, providing OPD services, point-of-care test facilities and medicines through our mobile healthcare units, Smile on Wheels (SoW) is one of the five ways in which we address the gaps in availability, accessibility and affordability of healthcare.

Annual health camps are also one of the major efforts for healthcare to reach the rural population of India. Every year, thousands of children, women and senior citizens from over 100 villages line up to receive free healthcare services at the multi-disciplinary Mega Health Camp in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. This Annual Mega Health Camp has been serving a population of 30,000 villagers annually for the last 20 years.

Do consider making a small donation here for healthcare to reach vulnerable communities, with a special focus on women and children.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Empowering Women in the Workplace

Empowering Women in the Workplace
Women beneficiaries getting trained for livelihood through STeP Programme

Nadira (name changed) had been working at the same company for over 10 years. She rose through the ranks and was now a senior manager, responsible for managing a team of over 100 employees. Despite her experience and expertise, she often found herself overlooked for promotions and opportunities. 

It wasn’t until a new CEO joined the company and made a conscious effort to promote gender equality in the workplace that Nadira was finally given the chance to showcase her talents. She now leads the company in a new direction.

Nadira’s story is all too common, and shared by many women, in the workplace. Despite the progress made toward gender equality, women still face significant barriers when it comes to career advancement and leadership opportunities.

The issue of women in the workplace has gained widespread attention in recent years, with many organisations recognising the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for women.

Benefits of Women at the Workplace

One of the most significant advantages is a conscious effort towards diversity, which leads to a more varied and inclusive work environment. This type of work environment is more innovative and efficient as people from different backgrounds bring their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table.

Another benefit of women in the workplace is improvement in the organization’s bottom line. Companies that have more women in leadership positions tend to perform better financially, as studies have shown. This is because women tend to have a more collaborative and inclusive leadership style. This approach leads to better decision-making, problem-solving, and a more engaged workforce.

“Countries and companies that invest in women’s employment and entrepreneurship reap significant social and economic benefits, including higher productivity, lower poverty, and stronger economic growth.” 

– Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

Moreover, women’s empowerment in the workplace leads to better employee satisfaction and retention. When employees feel valued and heard, they are more likely to stay with the company and be productive. Women empowerment can also lead to better work-life balance, which is important to many employees, especially women.

In addition to these benefits, women’s empowerment in the workplace is essential for gender equality. It is essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities, and equal pay, and are not discriminated against based on their gender. Women have been historically underrepresented in the workplace. It is crucial to create an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

In summary, women’s empowerment in the workplace is not just a matter of social justice or political correctness. It is also an essential aspect of creating a diverse and innovative work environment, improving the bottom line, increasing employee satisfaction and retention, and promoting gender equality. Companies that invest in women’s empowerment can reap these benefits and more, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Breaking Down Barriers to Female Leadership

Despite the clear benefits of women’s empowerment in the workplace, there are still many barriers that women face when it comes to career advancement. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of representation of women in leadership positions. According to a study by McKinsey & Company,  women make up only 38% of manager-level positions.

Another significant barrier for women is the issue of unconscious bias. Even well-intentioned individuals can be unconsciously influenced by stereotypes and prejudices, which can lead to women being overlooked for promotions and leadership opportunities. Organisations can combat this issue by implementing training programs and policies that promote diversity and inclusion.

Supportive policies and practices are essential in promoting women’s empowerment in the workplace. Such policies and practices can involve flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and mentoring programs. These initiatives are valuable in enabling women to manage their professional and personal lives, providing them with the necessary resources and assistance to advance in their careers.

Female Leadership: Women in the Workplace

Female leadership in the workplace is a crucial aspect of women’s empowerment. It involves empowering women to take on leadership positions and play an active role in decision-making processes within organisations. However, despite the progress made in recent years, there is still a significant gender gap in leadership positions.

One company that has recognised the importance of female leadership in the workplace is General Motors (GM). 

GM has implemented several initiatives to support female leadership, including a Women’s Retail Network, which provides resources and training to female employees in dealership roles, and the Women’s Leadership Forum, which brings together female leaders across the company for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Another example of a company that is making strides in promoting female leadership is Procter & Gamble (P&G). The consumer goods company has set a goal of having 50% of its global leadership positions held by women by 2025. To achieve this goal, P&G has implemented several initiatives, including a Women’s Leadership Council and a sponsorship program that pairs female employees with senior leaders for mentorship and development.

Additionally, P&G has launched several programs to support women’s empowerment and leadership development, including the #WeSeeEqual campaign, which aims to promote gender equality and challenge gender stereotypes.

Examples of Indian women in leadership positions

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw– Founder and Chairperson of Biocon

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder and chairperson of Biocon, a leading biotechnology company in India. Under her leadership, Biocon has become a major player in the global biotech industry, with a focus on developing affordable and innovative treatments for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Mazumdar-Shaw is recognized for her contributions to science and business. She is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in India.

Arundhati Bhattacharya– Former Chairperson of State Bank of India

Arundhati Bhattacharya served as the first woman chairperson of the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest bank, from 2013 to 2017. During her tenure, she oversaw several key initiatives aimed at modernising and digitising the bank’s operations. She also focused on improving SBI’s customer service and expanding its presence in international markets. Bhattacharya’s leadership and innovation helped to position SBI as a global leader in the banking industry. She is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential businesswomen.

In conclusion, women’s empowerment in the workplace is critical for promoting gender equality, improving business performance, and creating a more just society. While there are still many barriers and challenges that women face, there are also many opportunities for organisations to take action and create positive change. 

By prioritizing gender equality and women’s empowerment, organisations can create a better future for all employees, regardless of gender. It’s time for all of us to work together to create a more equitable workplace for everyone.

Smile Foundation’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

At Smile Foundation, we are dedicated to promoting women through our Swabhiman programme. We firmly believe that empowering women not only benefits individual women but also contributes to the overall economic growth and development of society.

We understand that women often face unique challenges in the workforce, including gender bias and discrimination. That’s why we work to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages gender equality and diversity. We believe that empowered women make significant contributions to themselves, and society as a whole.

Categories
Livelihood

Focusing On The Wants Of Indian Youth

Focusing On The Wants Of Indian Youth
Focusing On The Wants Of Indian Youth

“You are the future of this country!” This is probably one of the most common phrases the new young adults hear from their elders. But is the “future” of the country satisfied with how their voices are heard? We sure do have a lot of opinions on what they need but do we know what they want?

The youth of a nation holds the key to its future, and in a country like India, where nearly half the population is under the age of 25, their aspirations and needs are of utmost importance. While there is often a focus on what the youth needs, it is equally essential to understand what they want. That is the foundation of youth empowerment.

Beyond the lure of hefty paycheques, the Indian youth seeks secure and fulfilling employment that prioritizes skill development, emotional well-being and growth opportunities. Let’s delve into the desires and expectations of the Indian youth regarding jobs, skill development, guidance, and the need for individuality.

Job Preferences Beyond Paycheques for Youth Empowerment

Gone are the days when the sole criteria for job satisfaction were financial rewards. Today, the youth seeks more holistic considerations when choosing a career path. Financial stability remains important, but it is not limited to a high salary. Stability in job positions and the balance between income and cost of living are crucial factors too. Moreover, the youth values growth opportunities within a company, considering whether it offers upward mobility and the chance for personal development.

The Weight of Skills and Paycheques

Contrary to the past, Indian youth today are not solely focused on early family support. Many prefer to pursue higher education and augment their skill sets. While a higher salary may be enticing, the youth place great value on jobs that provide opportunities for upskilling.

A monotonous work environment that lacks avenues for growth and learning can leave them unsatisfied. Skill development not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall progress of the country, making it imperative for the government, the development sector and private entities to bridge the gap by providing skill-oriented opportunities.

The Need for Proper Guidance

To prepare the youth for the world, adequate assistance and guidance are essential. It is crucial to address the development of basic skill sets, especially in rural areas. Government schemes that promote quality education across the country are vital for comprehensive growth.

Additionally, career guidance seminars and interactions with educated and experienced individuals are necessary. With the constant emergence of new opportunities, the youth requires guidance to navigate the changing landscape successfully. Policies related to higher education and immigration, as well as labor laws, play a significant role and must be favorable to foster youth growth.

Freedom from Imposed Ideals

Youth desires independence from societal norms and expectations. Restrictions such as the lack of menstrual leaves, biases against pregnant women, and taboos surrounding tattoos and piercings need to be addressed. The youth seeks an environment free from gender discrimination, limiting mindsets, and the pressure to conform to predefined notions of success. They yearn for individuality and the freedom to make their own choices.

Last Note for Youth Empowerment

As the youth strives to find their place in society and contribute meaningfully, they seek guidance, support, and open-mindedness from everyone around them. While they may not possess the same level of skills and experience as others, their potential and determination to become the best version of themselves should be recognized and nurtured. Listening to their perspectives and understanding their aspirations is crucial for their success.

Understanding the desires of the Indian youth goes beyond monetary considerations. They seek jobs that provide security, growth opportunities, and a focus on skill development. Proper guidance, accessible education, favorable government policies, and freedom from societal constraints are essential for their holistic development. By acknowledging and supporting the aspirations of the youth, India can empower its future leaders and create a society that thrives on their unique talents and contributions.

Smile Foundation and Youth Empowerment

Our livelihood programme, STeP(Smile Twin e-Learning Programme) opens ups upskilling and job opportunities for the youth of underserved communities. With courses spread out in Healthcare, BFSI, BPO, Retail Management, Digital Marketing and Employability, the programme is designed to complement the current market trends and make future employees adequately competent for their roles.

Beyond the data of 56000 youth placed out of 90000 youth trained in the programme, the idea is to have a more than decent standard of living and jobs that are satisfactory on multiple levels for our youth. Consider making a small donation here to make Indian youth more employable and place them in industries of strong market value and make India one of the countries with the highest employment rates in the world.

Categories
Livelihood Education Women Empowerment

NGO Website Working for Women Education in India

World Environment Day 2023
World Environment Day 2023

You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.

Brigham Young

A fundamental requirement that affects the development of all economies all around the world is education. The improvement of the weakest in society should be seen in the intellectual health of people, especially girl children.

130 million females worldwide are currently not in schools. The majority of third-world nations restrict girls from receiving a decent education for a variety of reasons, including poverty, ignorance, child marriage, and extreme religiosity forbidding girls from attending school and becoming financially and emotionally independent.

The objective of improving education for young girls and women is taken up by several NGOs and other humanitarian organisations.

Data on Female Education

The biggest number of illiterate women in the world— 200 million— live in India alone. About 23 percent of girls drop out of girls upon reaching puberty. This is despite the fact that everyone is entitled to free and compulsory education as accorded in the constitution of India.

Some Challenges

The main obstacle to female education is poverty. There are other additional financial expenses involved in getting an education which frequently discourages the families of the girls. Poor families avoid enrolling their daughters in schools because of the high cost of supplies, bus fares, and other expenses.

Additionally, the World Bank reports that poverty is still the biggest contributor to illiteracy. Other resources like textbooks, clothing, and transportation options are as crucial to making education accessible to all students.

Early marriage is a significant problem in many nations. According to UNICEF, 700 million women worldwide are married off before turning 18 years old. In Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, 4 out of 10 females get married before they finish their schooling. Early pregnancy, marital abuse, and other consequences are only a few of the major problems that result from child marriage.

Domestic Housework

Research found that girls worldwide spend 40% of their time on unpaid household tasks including cooking and cleaning, among other things. In developing nations, girls between the ages of 14-20 bear a higher share of the burden of domestic duties than boys do. More time spent on housework eventually results in less time for school.

How Can NGOs Strengthen the Education of Girls?

Around India and the world, several NGOs support girl child education and work closely with those in need. NGOs contribute in some ways to improve girl education globally.

Promoting Awareness Through an NGO Website

NGOs engage in activities that aid in promoting girl child education and making people aware of its significance, the benefits it can have for their families, and how it can make them stronger both socially and economically.

The majority of the most disadvantaged social groups aren’t aware of the benefits that education may have on society. Because of this, it may be challenging for them to educate girls.

NGOs and other advocacy/service-based groups must create a public understanding of the need for girl child education and learning. These activities need planning in areas where the literacy rates of girls and women are particularly low.

Offering Professional Opportunities

Free education for girls should not just cover the fundamentals; it should also provide them access to future opportunities, career coaching, and the freedom to apply their learnings in areas in which they thrive.

Lack of work chances can be discouraging and convey the message that education does not guarantee job security, thus to put their education degrees to good use, they need to find a vocation and employment opportunities.

The objective should be to empower and make women of every age self-sufficient, and this should involve livelihood training, interview preparations, and placements.

Free Education

NGOs receive funding from a variety of individual and corporate partners utilised to give females free education. The provision of books, food, and amenities like clean water, power, and furniture in schools are only a few of the many other features of free education. They also award deserving students with scholarships for their achievements.

Workshops for Skill Development

In addition to providing basic education, NGOs should provide several workshops for skill development. A variety of skill development training/workshops help young girls and women advance their talents and achieve financial independence.

The abilities they possess later on open doors to job prospects, enable them to launch their own businesses, and take complete control of their lives.

Women of all ages have a right to basic and high-quality education. This is true regardless of their age. Many women throughout the world never got the chance to attend school and get a good education. But we can reverse that.

All ages should be encouraged to pursue an education and taught a variety of skills that can help them become independent and economically robust.

Smile Foundation and Women’s Education

Everyone must have access to free education, and if we want to give our women more power, we must work together to fund their education through an NGO website like Smile Foundation. This will dispel long-standing stigmas against girl child education and make the girl children realise their true potential.

Learn more about our initiative She Can Fly here focused on enabling young women and girls to become self-reliant and reach their full potential through interventions in education, vocational and skill training, and healthcare and nutrition.

Join hands with us to empower our country’s daughters today, so that they can help India grow tomorrow!

Categories
Women Empowerment

A Task of Behavioural Change: Changing Gender Attitudes

A Task of Behavioural Change: Changing Gender Attitudes
Teacher with her students at a Mission Education centre in Kalimpong, West Bengal

Is there enough women’s participation in politics? Do most women in India and across the world make a decent livelihood? According to Global Gender Gap Report 2023, which studies gender equality around the world, ranked India 127 among 146 nations in 2023 with a positive rank change of 8 from 2022. The Global Gender Index confirms that when it comes to creating equal opportunities for women in spaces like health & politics, we have a long distance to cover. 

Even though there is a tremendous shift in how women (themselves) or people around them perceive violence, the shift has not occurred across the board. Forms of violence still exist against women. They are constant victims of domestic violence— both physical and mental.

The Path Towards Gender Equality in India

The gender roles in India are quite patriarchal. Some women who choose to enter into intercaste marriages struggle to find acceptance from their own parents.

Sujata Khandekar, the director of CORO, feels the values women imbibe from childhood are inequality, subservience, humiliation, injustice, and insults. They are part of our upbringing, hence becoming a part of our personality and behaviour. They also lead to stereotypical expectations that society has over how a woman should behave and so on. 

What Can Be Done to Shift Gender Attitudes? 

Shifting attitudes towards women is an important step in achieving gender equality. While there has been progress in recent years, there is still a long way to go to combat discrimination and inequality. Here are some ways to shift attitudes toward women:

Increasing knowledge and awareness 

is essential for transforming attitudes toward women. Among other things, this entails educating people about gender equality and the detrimental effects of gender stereotypes. The frequency of violence and discrimination against women, as well as the negative impacts of gender inequality on society as a whole, must also be brought to light.

Equitable representation 

is important in all spheres of society, including politics, business, the media, and the arts. This entails elevating women into positions of leadership, showcasing a variety of gender identities in media and advertising, and promoting involvement in activities that are often associated with men. Women challenge established gender roles and stereotypes when they are present in positions of influence and authority.

It’s critical to encourage these concepts across society. For women from various backgrounds to express their experiences and worries, the creation of safe venues is a must. In addition, it entails actively seeking out diverse opinions and perspectives and elevating the voices of women from various racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation backgrounds.

Gender Equality in India Helps Everyone

It might be challenging to identify and also get rid of unconscious biases towards women, which many individuals harbour. Conscientious unlearning entails recognising these biases and making an effort to overcome them. This entails evaluating our own attitudes and perspectives on women and actively looking for chances to question and transform them.

Violence against women must be addressed since it is a pervasive issue that needs to be changed to change how people view women. This entails offering assistance and resources to women who have been the victims of abuse, in addition to enlightening males about the negative effects of violence against women and motivating them to speak out against it.

The World Looks Better When Equal

Changes in legislation and advocacy are crucial for affecting public perceptions of women. This entails speaking out against discrimination and damaging gender stereotypes, promoting laws and practices that advance gender equality, and actively combating gender prejudices in daily interactions.

The process of changing attitudes toward women’s discrimination in India is ongoing and necessitates a multifaceted strategy. It calls for campaigning, legislative change, deliberate unlearning, and confronting violence against women, education, representation, diversity, and inclusion. We can make society more just and equitable for women by uniting to advance gender equality.

Smile Foundation and Gender Equality in India

Smile Foundation launched its women empowerment programme, Swabhiman in 2005 to reach out to marginalised and socially-excluded women. The aim since then has been to capacitate them through innovative community practices, support them in education and livelihood, development of life skills, empower them to seek healthcare and bring sustainable changes in the community, and also engage men and boys in creating a gender-equal society.

Smile Foundation has aimed to address the gender inequity concern through a simple but effective approach involving the community. Potential women entrepreneurs are also identified and supported with dedicated programmes to build an ecosystem for them to progress and excel. To create more opportunities for women, make a small contribution here!

Categories
Education

This Republic Day 2024, Gift Girl Child Education!

This Republic Day 2023, Give A Child Gift of Education
This Republic Day 2023, Give A Child Gift of Education

The 75th Republic Day of India will be celebrated on 26th January. This is the day when we celebrate the adoption of our constitution. This is the day when India truly became self-reliant. From this day, we had our constitution to guide us. Republic Day 2024 is a day of great pride and remembrance of the incredible persons who worked day in and day out to draft the Constitution of India- the supreme law of India.

The Republic Day Celebration is also one of the most elaborate. Since the beginning, it has been celebrated with celebrations at the India Gate. The messages of Happy Republic Day circulate on the internet, and everyone is ecstatic.

26th January is celebrated as the day when Indians left behind the British legacy for good and became completely independent. This day was also special because, in 1929, the Indian National Congress issued the Declaration of Complete Independence from the British. This idea of Purna Swaraj challenged the dominion status of Britain and imagined India as a free country. 

First Republic Day of India

The first Republic Day celebration was held at the Irwin Stadium and later celebrations were also held at Kingsway, Red Fort, and Ramlila Grounds until 1954. Starting from 1955, the celebrations started happening at the Rajpath and the tradition has continued ever since. This is the day when every Indian remembers the promise of the Constitution. Everyone has the right to equality and justice.

This is the reason when we think of celebrating Republic Day, we should think about how we are living up to its promises. One of the most important dreams of a free India has been to give every child the education that he or she needs. This was the aim of government initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right to Education.

However, even today, the state of education in the country is not up to the mark. The Annual Survey of Education Research (ASER) report shows that the majority of the students studying in standard V in rural India cannot even read a standard II text. There is still a huge disparity in access to education in the country. This disparity was exposed during COVID-19 when lakhs of children from underserved families could not access education because of a lack of resources.

So, what can you do about this? As we immerse ourselves in the Republic Day 2024 Celebrations, let us also remember those who are still waiting for the education that they deserve. Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate for Child Education This Republic Day 2024

One of the best ways to help these children is by donating for their education. You can support the education of a girl child for a considerably small amount.

Imagine, a small amount by you can ensure education for a child. This may have a life-long impact on them and also help their families. Education is the best way to come out of poverty and you can help someone by giving them the gift of education. So, find the initiatives that you want to support and donate generously as per your capability.

Sponsor A Child You Know

If you want to follow a more personal approach and also monitor the impact, you can opt for this. There may be many underprivileged children that you come across every day. You can simply take responsibility for their education. It can be the child of your house help, your driver, a daily wager, etc. By doing this, you will be able to witness someone’s life getting better in front of your eyes. The gratification will be immense.

Volunteer with Your Time This Republic Day 2024

Another way of helping is by giving your time. If you are someone who can teach a skill or a subject, then volunteer with an organisation. You can teach local kids from your area who will benefit from this. However, if you want a more tangible approach and impact, you can volunteer with an organisation that teaches underprivileged children. This way you can be sure that your efforts are leading to a positive overall impact.

Spread Awareness Among People

The last way in which you can contribute is by spreading awareness of the issue. What if everyone felt motivated to celebrate Republic Day by giving the gift of education? What if one lakh people decided to sponsor the education of one child? This would mean the transformation of many lives.

You can achieve this by telling others about this. You can share this article with your friends, family members, and colleagues. You can also motivate others to volunteer with you. When you share about a good cause that you are contributing to, it can push others to contribute too.

So, as India completes three-quarters of becoming a Republic in 2024, you can play an important role in its success story. As you wish someone a Happy Republic Day 2024 on 26 January, do not forget to ask them to give someone a gift of education too.

Categories
Partnerships

CSR Trends 2024: What Can NGOs Expect?

CSR Trends 2023: What Can NGOs Expect?
CSR Trends 2023: What Can NGOs Expect?

Before heading into the topic of recent trends in CSR in India 2024, let’s under the visible impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the lives of those who need it.

“The true test of a company’s commitment to CSR is when times are tough, not when they’re good.”

Steve Rochlin

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies including nonprofits faced unprecedented challenges. However, many stepped up to support their communities and employees. One great example is Pepsico Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Pepsico, an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation. In partnership with Smile Foundation, they provided over 50,000 PPE kits, along with digital thermometers, thermal scanners, oximeters, concentrators & more than 1 lakh N95 masks, across 11 Indian states to support the administration in its fight against the pandemic.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments have endured a lot during the last few years. Every CSR team is likely juggling a whole lot of things together— social justice movements, geopolitical turmoil, and also the need to connect the employees and the communities, meet board expectations and adapt their strategies to a fast-paced and uncertain economy.

So what do CSR trends 2024 look like? How should the sector get ready for a world economy traversing inflation, stock market crashes, wars, and more? Some of the recent CSR trends in India and the world overall are listed below:

Trend 1: How to Safeguard Your Social Impact Programs During the Recession with CSR

The anticipated recession is the fundamental background for 2024. Since many businesses are working in anticipation of a slowing economy, the temptation to reduce their corporate giving may materialise.

CSR will be put to the test in 2024, according to the leaders at the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP), Points of Light, and Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP). They contend that because it can both boost your company’s performance in the short term and enhance connections with stakeholders over the long term, corporate social impact is even more crucial during recessions.

Cutting ties to the community may make it less likely that consumers will want to support your business because customers, investors, and employees all consider corporate purposes when making decisions.

Corporate volunteering and benchmarking are just a few of the strategies to increase your influence when you’re on a tight budget. The causes most important to your stakeholders should be the focus of your team’s efforts after you have clarified your social impact plan.

Trend 2: Despite Criticism, linking ESG to Business Success

Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) has emerged as a hot topic outside of the corporate citizenship industry. ESG has progressed beyond risk reduction to profit creation for businesses globally. Enhancing confidence with stakeholders while improving the quality of lives of the marginalised globally, seems like something everyone benefits from.

Trend 3: Prioritise Results Over Proxy Metrics

With corporate philanthropy, results clearly matter. It’s challenging to support your work without understanding your actual results, whether you’re changing systems policies or offering direct relief programmes.

In a recent study on policies in food security, nutrition researchers and activists emphasised the value of outcomes. They said that by emphasising quantity over quality, food security programmes frequently neglect nutrition. So, rather than filling people up with empty calories, a move from “food security” to “nutrition security” will increase health, inclusion, and general well-being.

Qualitative parameters are going to matter as much as the quantitative reach of the CSR associations. 

Trend 4: Demands for Impact Data are Increasing as Public Interest Grows

Never before have corporate social impact teams’ efforts been so widely observed. More data requests, questions, and speaking requests have been made of CSR experts than ever before, ranging from reports for their ESG department to speeches outlining how their programmes would improve society by 2030.

Because of this drive for transparency, CSR teams will require precise impact data to show their leadership, board, and other stakeholders the success of their programmes. Executives in the field anticipate that they will want impact data this year to “justify or secure their funds.”

Trend 6: Giving Underrepresented Communities Chances

Businesses are collaborating with nonprofits like us, Smile Foundation to use a variety of strategies to give disadvantaged communities access to opportunities. Opportunities with the potential of holistically changing their lives. Out of the recent trends in CSR in India

Among the tactics are— expanding the amount of shelf space available for goods produced by minority-owned companies, giving minority business owners access to investment capital and mentoring minority youth. Other examples are employing candidates with years of gaps in their resumes, awarding DEI grants, and conducting customer-facing fundraising campaigns.

Trend 7: The Value of Taking a Position in Business Social Activism

Stakeholders look to companies to speak out and act in times of global crises. Companies may have been under pressure to react or face backlash as a result of corporate positions and public reactions to the Russia-Ukraine War and the Roe v. Wade(abortion) ruling by the US Supreme Court.

Several businesses are attempting to create a framework to address societal challenges. Your response may be influenced by the questions you pose regarding the incident, like “Do we have a stake in this issue?”, “Can we really make a difference in this situation?”, “Does this have a direct impact on our stakeholders and customers?”

Corporate Philanthropy Value in 2024

Between 2020-21, COVID-19 tested everyone’s resilience. Through 2022, social justice increased as a result of the catastrophes that the pandemic brought into everyone’s lives. In 2023, the effects of conflict and geopolitical upheaval were felt all over the world. In 2024, everyone is thinking about the economy, from the boardrooms to the grocery stores. There has been a paradigm shift in corporate social responsibility trends.

CSR is crucial to ensuring the survival of a company and society when a recession is a possibility. By financial assistance, volunteers, in-kind gifts, and advocacy, businesses may aid nonprofits while also strengthening their relationships with their stakeholders and positioning themselves to continuously thrive and be genuine changemakers.

Do you intend to change your CSR plan this year? Become a part of the recent CSR trends in CSR in India. Contact us at Smile Foundation for a CSR partnership and we will be glad to guide you through the process. Let’s build a better world for our kids and the marginalised!

0%