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Entrepreneurship Skills for Rural Women is a Game-changer

Entrepreneurship Skills for Rural Women is a Game-changer

Beyond the romantic lens of rural women wearing colorful traditional clothes, traveling distances to carry pots of water to their homes, there is a new breed of ambitious women who dream to be the decision-makers generating incomes that feed their families and beyond their own. Entrepreneurship for rural women can be a game changer for them.

Hard facts first– 

  1. Women in rural India are often left behind by their male counterparts. The number of businesses by women is much less than men.
  2. India has 432 million working-age women and 13.5 –15.7 million women-owned businesses that provide direct employment to 22–27 million people.

They are rarely able to find jobs or start businesses that pay well and provide stable employment. However, there is a growing movement of women entrepreneurs who want to change this reality. These women view entrepreneurship as a way to build value and create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Rural women entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs have huge potential to play a crucial role in an emerging economy like India taking advantage of globalization and a technology-driven ecosystem. Leaving behind the perils of the ongoing pandemic, women’s entrepreneurship, in today’s digital age, is a very important tool for development in rural areas.

The good thing is that now women entrepreneurs in even the remotest parts of India can connect with one another as well as experts, investors, and mentors anywhere in the world. There are organizations with communities of women entrepreneurs across India that allow women to share their ideas, collaborate on projects and connect with each other. This is an excellent opportunity for rural women who might not otherwise have access to these resources—or even know how they could get them.

These programs address the fundamental gaps women face in starting a business by providing industry-relevant knowledge and experiential learning. They aim to address the underrepresentation of women in tech by providing you with skills that will help you succeed as an entrepreneur, including– 

  • Understanding how technology works– right from basic computer literacy to advanced coding skills;
  • Developing your own digital product prototype like an app;
  • Launching your own startup.

Benefits of long-term investment in rural women entrepreneurship

According to McKinsey Global, India can potentially add USD 700 billion to the global GDP by increasing women’s participation in the labor force. There are many overt and covert benefits attached with to increasing number of rural women entrepreneurs– 

  • Income generation and thus leaving behind poverty
  • The best form of women empowerment is economic in nature
  • Prevents unsustainable migration
  • Employment generation for others
  • Bolstering the economic development of the country

A blended learning approach of online courses & live sessions

A blended learning approach of online courses and live virtual or in-person sessions work favorably for rural women entrepreneurs. An approach like this helps participants learn about entrepreneurship through interactive activities, case studies and group discussions. It also offers mentorship services from successful entrepreneurs who can offer advice on how best to navigate their personal journey as an entrepreneur or a business owner.

The goal is to provide rural women entrepreneurs with the skills they need to start their own businesses, while also providing them with access to training that is not available in their communities. This will allow them to have more control over their own futures, as well as allow them more independence from traditional sources of employment.

More investments need to be made towards providing the best skill opportunities for them. Think digital skills, soft skills, networking, understanding the business and idea gaps– basically everything that are the pillars of successful business models.

Interaction with other women entrepreneurs

If you want to encourage rural women entrepreneurs make sure that they interact with other female entrepreneurs and perceive them as role models.

Women in rural areas often feel isolated from their communities. Currently, they are in relatively smaller ones working outside of the home, so they don’t have access to extended support networks like men do. Women need others who can offer encouragement and advice when times get tough or when there is no one else around who understands what their business needs are.

Affordability & Access: Concerns for Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Skilling, upskilling and reskilling– all necessary tools for staying relevant and gaining traction in the business world relies on having adequate training programs. Blended learning models are affordable, flexible and accessible for rural women who cannot afford or find time for traditional training programs. They provide access to high-quality content through online learning modules and face-to-face workshops. 

Mentoring– Opportunities for rural women to get guidance

There are lots of opportunities for rural women to get education, guidance and resources to start their own businesses. Mentors can help them with the following– 

  • Business skills– How do you find clients? What does your business look like? How much money do you need to make and how do you spend it?
  • Personal life– How do you manage family responsibilities while running your business (i.e., how long will this take)? What is important in life outside of work that needs attention or improvement before starting a new project?
  • Personal finances– Do I have enough money saved up so that I am not too dependent on others’ help when times get tough; what steps would be helpful if I wanted to improve my financial situation over time; who should know about these changes if they ever occur (such as family members).

Final Thoughts

More and more women-led businesses will provide a substantial impetus to our economy.  It will enable women from rural India to access the resources and knowledge they need in order to start their own businesses, access funding for their enterprises, and empower themselves through entrepreneurship. The collective dream of “Jobs by women” would soon become a reality if consistent and smart efforts are made towards them– every day without losing sight of the dream.

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Smile

Why should preventive healthcare be prioritised?

Why should preventive healthcare be prioritised?

People are accustomed to habits, and General Practitioners play a crucial role in assisting patients in becoming aware of the negative effects of bad lifestyle choices. However, the truth is that providing accurate treatment to patients is hampered by a great number of barriers. Building self-confidence, having a healthy lifestyle, having more energy, being less stressed, and experiencing emotional happiness all contribute to a good life. Early adoption of preventive healthcare practices is essential for halting the rise of lifestyle illnesses. 

What is Preventive Healthcare?

The goal of preventive healthcare is to lessen the burden of disease and related risk factors by preventing sickness. To stop additional deterioration throughout time, preventive interventions can be used at every stage of a person’s lifespan and along a disease spectrum. 

Why is it important?

People have benefited from preventive healthcare by making consistent decisions and adopting healthy lifestyle, dietary, and eating habits. These acts not only provide the body a fighting chance to stay healthy, but they also aid in the early detection and management of existing issues.

It’s time to switch to a preventative healthcare strategy

Preventive treatment tries to avoid illnesses that are mostly caused by a bad lifestyle. We must combine preventative and curative approaches while improving access to life-saving treatments to effectively address population health as a whole. One of the factors impeding the potential expansion of preventive healthcare and spending on it is a lack of knowledge. Based on current patterns, the current situation is worrisome.

Economical, preventive actions are essential

A reactive approach to healthcare results in unnecessary cost growth. The performance of the medical system will grow dramatically, leading to better care quality, if we are able to keep prices in check and expand access to treatment. To provide incisive preventative care insights, we require a solid national health dataset. Government and commercial healthcare providers can also create forecasts and actions based on data.

The changing use of pharmaceuticals in patient prevention

Patients are now increasingly able to influence and participate in healthcare decisions. Pharma firms have been forced to rethink their place in the patient journey caused by Covid-19. It is time for us to move past our responsibilities as producers of medications and assist patients as they go through the many stages of their care—from instruction and  care— to prevention, diagnosis,  treatment, and care.

Coordination

The importance of partnerships has been emphasised  globally, and the ongoing pandemic has shown the value of several important, extensive coalitions. Collaboration between healthcare and biotech firms is crucial for the growing area of preventative medicine. Corporations and their employee-focused wellness initiatives will also be important. Our collaborative efforts to promote timely immunizations, screening, and simple access to treatment are essential to the effectiveness of preventive medicine.

Technology’s part in facilitating the change

Big data in medicine has a great potential to be understood and interpreted due to developments in artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, digitization, and deep learning. Fitness applications and wearables have greatly expanded the amount of personal health tracking. Without the capacity for patients and medical professionals to make relevant deductions and take meaningful action, the data gathered would be useless. Even today, we rely largely on the patient as the only source of crucial information during a patient care journey. Our capacity to analyse vast amounts of patient data and provide it to healthcare experts will be crucial in enabling preventative healthcare.

Methods of Preventive Care

Here are a few things you can do to keep your health in check and ward off any issues in the future.

Weight Control

One of the major risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer is being overweight or obese. Weight control is therefore crucial for preventative healthcare. To lose excess weight, engage in regular exercise and consume a balanced diet.

Mental Health Evaluations

Mental health, one of the key components of well-being, is frequently forgotten when people think of medical treatment. But, mental health issues like depression, affect our lives negatively. 

Additionally, drug addiction disorders, especially ending in overdosing, can be caused by mental health issues. 

The importance of mental health screenings for conditions like depression can assist people in dealing with problems that can have a negative impact on other aspects of their lives. 

Health Checks

Everybody should undergo wellness checks, known as annual physicals, regardless of age or medical history. Here, the doctor will examine your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and glucose levels, among other things.

Get your blood tests done at regular intervals to avoid any delay in detections of illnesses or diseases.  

How Smile Foundation is Committed

Smile Foundation has been actively involved in creating awareness among the most vulnerable and poverty-stricken people from the remote corners to urban villages of India. Click here to know more and contribute towards a healthier India. 

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Smile

How Activity-based Learning can Help in Knowledge Retention?

How activity-based learning can help in knowledge retention?

As adults when we think back about our school days, we tend to vividly remember a few teachers over others. These are most often the teachers whose classes were interesting. A little thought about what made their classes special would point towards their teaching method which invariably was ‘student centric’. A story-telling session, a word-building exercise, a fun math game, a general knowledge quiz, or a role-play; it might have been any of these that made their classes stand out. We enjoyed these classes because we were actively involved in those classes. This is precisely what activity-based learning (ABL) is all about.

Activity-based Learning: Concept and Methods

In simple terms, activity-based learning refers to a teaching methodology where the subject matter is delivered through various activities that make learning more interesting and engaging. In this type of learning, the student is the center of the process and the teacher acts only as a facilitator, introducing and guiding them through the activities. Students learn independently and at their own pace.

Unlike conventional teaching where the teacher is the one who lectures and students are passive recipients, activity-based learning encourages children for the following:

  • Engage: Children are involved in doing the activities designed and thus engage in their own learning process
  • Experiment: There is no standard answer to be replicated, hence children get the scope to experiment and arrive at their own solutions to a given problem
  • Explore: Learning through activities creates curiosity in children to investigate and find more information about a given problem/situation
  • Express: When children are thoroughly involved in the learning process it enables them to express their findings/ learning more confidently

Activity-based learning can be imparted in a number of ways. Activities can be designed based on the composition of the class and the subject to be taught. The most common way of activity-based teaching is through group work or group discussion where a class of students is divided into some groups and activities are assigned to them. Each group tries to solve the problem or finish the activity by interacting among themselves.

Besides this, puzzles, games, role play, skits, story-telling, demonstrations using real objects, taking students on an educational tour, playing a subject-related video, and showing a documentary in the classroom are all examples of activity-based learning/teaching methods.

Activity-based Learning: Benefits and Challenges

Every individual has the maximum learning potential in his/her childhood because 90% of brain development happens by the age of 5 years. Childhood is a crucial stage as the first 8 years of life build the foundation for health, learning, and overall life success in the future. This emphasizes the need to choose the right strategy to teach children so that their potential is optimally utilized.

 It is a well-known fact that children are playful by nature. However, they are spontaneous and have a short attention span. Thus Activity-based learning (ABL) is inevitably one of the best ways a child can acquire and retain knowledge.

Some of the Key Benefits of Activity-based Learning are listed below:

  • Ensures better participation of kids in the learning process: When the children are given an activity they are both physically and mentally involved in it thus engaging multiple faculties which provides better stimulation of senses and in turn better learning.
  • Leads to deeper learning and understanding: As the old proverb goes, ‘I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.’ Thus, ABL always gives a deeper insight into the subject matter as children learn through experimentation. They have the scope of making mistakes too and hence gather genuine learning.
  • Encourages creativity and out-of-box thinking: Learning through activities provides an excellent platform for children to come up with innovative ideas for the same problem. Creativity and out-of-box thinking are rewarded and encouraged in this type of learning.
  • Builds team spirit and social skills: When the children are grouped together to perform a task, they collaborate with each other to successfully complete it, thus eventually learning the essence of teamwork. This also builds their social skills and value system.
  • Helps to put learning into context: A key feature of activity-based learning is that it helps children apply their learning in real-life situations, thus establishing the relevance and utility of learning resources and materials.
  •  Leads to better knowledge retention: Since students learn through exploring and experimenting themselves, the learning becomes an output of experience and has clarity and thus stays with the student.

Though activity-based learning has some undisputed benefits, it has its own set of limitations too. Time constraints to design and coordinate activities, indiscipline in students and inconvenience due to the physical environment of the classroom, or disinterest from students who are not aligned to participate in a particular activity can be other challenges in activity-based learning. Also, some subjects are more complicated to be adapted to relevant activities.

Project-Based Learning: Meaning and Advantages

Project-based learning (PBL) is deeper, more detailed, and more complex than activity-based learning. In this teaching method, students are presented with a complicated problem, challenge, or question and asked to find the solution to the same by conducting their own research.

The problems presented are usually real-time problems and students are expected to design workable solutions. A project needs detailed research, and the use of diverse skills and takes more time to completion and execution than any form of traditional academic coursework.

Project-based learning prepares students for real-life situations and increases their workplace readiness too. Moreover, a single project might demand the students to integrate knowledge and information from multiple academic subjects and skill areas, thus giving scope for in-depth investigation and analysis of the problem in question. It boosts the creativity, critical & analytical prowess, and communication and collaboration skills of an individual.

E-learning Education Programme and its Advantages

E-learning or virtual learning has practically revolutionized the education landscape by transforming the process of acquiring knowledge. E-learning education programmes which include online courses, webinars, learning forums, podcasts, video streaming services, etc. are helping educators and students alike by facilitating innovative teaching and learning methods. 

For example, a teacher can explain some concepts better with the help of an educational video, or students from different schools can participate in a seminar and interact with subject experts without anyone having to actually travel to a common location.

It was through E-learning that education in schools and colleges could continue during the pandemic. Now, students can study and even obtain a college degree from a foreign university without even having to leave their homes. In project work too, students find it convenient to research online as the internet offers unlimited resource materials anywhere and anytime.

Donate for Education in India

Education holds the key to a great future. While some students are making breakthroughs in the field of education with the help of modern aids, there are poor and marginalized kids who still do not have access to even basic education. NGOs like the Smile Foundation are dedicatedly working to ensure that every child receives the gift of education. As responsible citizens of the country, you can support this cause. Donate for education and help in building an empowered India.

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Smile

What are the significant gaps in the Indian Education System?

What are the significant gaps in the Indian Education System?

India is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and occupied a revered seat of learning in ancient times.

The Indian education system has a glorious past that dates back to the ‘gurukul’ system in the Vedic age. Traditionally, the education system in India was more pragmatic, holistic, inclusive and functional. However, unfortunately, the current education system in India bears very little resemblance to its previous form and is plagued by many operational and strategic problems which call for urgent reforms.

Genesis and Changes in the Indian Education system

The Indian education system has come a long way from ‘gurukuls’ to digital classrooms. The unique history of Indian education system is divided into following periods in time:

Vedic Age: Before the 6th century BC, education was imparted in ‘gurukuls’ where students stayed with gurus or teachers and imbibed all kinds of life skills along with subjects like astronomy, medicine, mathematics, law, art of debate etc. The objective of education was to improve both outer and inner dimensions of the pupil.

Buddhist Period: During the period of 600 BC-1200 AD, learning centers developed around Buddhist monasteries/ viharas. Famous universities like Takshashila and Nalanda emerged during this period and attracted students from many parts of the world. Education aimed at physical, mental and moral development of an individual and gave functional knowledge to tackle real-life situations.

Medieval Period: This was the time of Mughal era (1200 AD-1800 AD) when there was Islamic influence on education. Maktabas and madrasas came into existence which offered Islamic religious education along with subjects like grammar, philosophy, literature, medicine, etc.

British Colonial Era: The essence of the ancient Indian education system was completely altered by the introduction of modern education during the colonial era. The use of the English language expanded. However, the focus of education shifted from functional knowledge to just passing tests and obtaining grades giving birth to an academic rat race causing severe dents to quality of education over time.

Post-independence period: The current system of education in India is an extension of the mass education system introduced during the British Raj. Establishment of organizations like UGC, AICTE, IITs, and IIMs in the years following independence has been instrumental in changing the education scenario. Though there has been a remarkable increase in the number of schools, colleges, and universities post-independence, the qualitative aspect of our educational institutes is still lagging.

Significant gaps in the Indian Education System

The major problems in the progress of our Indian education system can be identified as the following:

Low Budgetary allocation: Though there is an absolute increase in the outlay for school education and higher education in the budget of 2022-23,  the total education outlay has stagnated and is the same as that in 2013-14, when compared as a percentage of GDP. The lack of sufficient funds is a major hurdle in improving the quality of educational infrastructure and teaching resources.

Cost of Higher education: Higher education is a costly affair in India. Privatization of higher education and the growth of profit-oriented education entrepreneurs have made affordability of professional and technical education a major challenge in the current Indian education system limiting access of mainly rural population and economically weaker sections to qualitative higher education.

Outdated Educational system: Syllabus taught in our schools and colleges is mainly general education oriented and does not prepare students for the real world. Moreover, there is very little scope and encouragement for research and development and education imparted is theoretical in nature.

Evaluation and assessment system: While education equipped an individual with life skills in ancient India, today its definition and purpose have narrowed down to only securing a job. Rote learning has become the norm and students are expected to cram the syllabus and reproduce it in tests and exams. Students, parents and teachers have become part of an academic rat race that adversely affects innovation and out-of-box thinking.

Condition of Primary Education: Lack of basic infrastructure like classrooms, learning resources, urinals, etc. in primary schools often results in children dropping out of school. A UNICEF report states that 29% of boys and girls drop out before completing their elementary education. This leads to wastage of financial and human resources.

Importance of English over Indian languages: English being the primary medium of instruction in higher education, students from rural areas or with a schooling background of vernacular medium face huge challenge in following lessons and coping with the syllabus.

Indian education system: Problems and Solutions

The Indian education system is the single largest system of its kind with 1.5 million schools and 250 million children enrolled in the education system. However, the existing gaps adversely impact our current education system from delivering the desired results. Thus, it calls for immediate action to understand and find effective solutions to these problems.

True education is functional and applicable in the real world. Since we live in the age of technology, our education system also needs to be revamped accordingly. Technological awareness should be imparted to students earlier in their careers which helps them to match pace with changing times.

Our curriculum needs to shift from theoretical to practically oriented and prepare students for real-world challenges and jobs of the future. Also, moral education or value-based education should be included and prioritized to build character and encourage children to be better citizens.

Our evaluation system also needs to change to relieve the stress and drive children to study to learn rather than score marks. Knowledge, skills, and application-based assessment would help to break the chain of rote learning.

Teachers are the backbone of our education system. A properly trained, updated and motivated teacher can work wonders on a student. Hence, teachers should be trained and updated as per the current requirements. Hiring qualified teachers and paying them decent salaries is a necessary step to improve our education system.

New Education Policy 2020

In an attempt to revamp the old education policy and adapt it to the present age, the government of India approved the National Education Policy in 2020. The salient features of this new education policy are:

  1. Restructuring school curricula into a 5+3+3+4 format to correspond to different developmental stages of learners
  2. Reforms in assessment system
  3. Emphasis on Indian languages
  4. Center and state shall work together to increase education outlay to 6% of GDP
  5. Ensuring universal access at all levels of schooling
  6. Equal emphasis on all streams of education, academic and vocational education

Donate for Education in India

Quality education is the right of every child but millions of children remain deprived of this fundamental right due to poverty and lack of funds. The government and many other organizations are sincerely working to make education universal. However, the civic society should also lend a helping hand by donating for education in India, for, in an educated child of today lies a responsible citizen of tomorrow.

Please take a look into Smile Foundation’s flagship initiative, Mission Education (ME) to learn more about the efforts made to change the face of education for many underprivileged children in India.

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Smile

Why is comparing your child to others is futile?

Why is comparing your child to others is futile?
Why is comparing your child to others is futile?

Every child is special and unique.

A wrongly used strategy for evaluating your students’ development is comparison. Assessing whether your child’s academic achievements are “normal”, better, or great by comparing their grades with other students is a futile act.

Then, in an effort to inspire our own child, we turn to cite the success of other kids. For instance, “Look, Vinita’s son got 90%” or “Your neighbour Vikram won the signing contest.” “Learn from other children. Stop lingering around the area and enrol in some lessons.”

Although you don’t mean to demotivate your child, some verbal comments unintentionally cause more harm than good. It might be difficult to resist the impulse to compare your child to others, even though doing so is pointless and stressful for both you and your child.

Effects of Comparing Your Child To Others

A child’s progress must be with his/her past performances and not with peers. 

Comparisons can have a detrimental impact on a child’s development and progress. Parents are also impacted by this in some manner in addition to the child. It makes parents question if they are being a good parent or providing enough for their children.

  1. Lack of confidence results in forceful parenting
  2. The youngster experiences a decline in self-esteem brought on by self-doubt
  3. The bond between parents and children could be ruined
  4. The child grows in an unfavourable environment stunting their development

Important Things to Remember about Child Development

When major tensions threaten their family and caregiving situations, even newborns and young children are negatively impacted.

Unfavourable prenatal and early childhood events can alter the brain’s structure and chemistry in ways that can last a lifetime. Severe neglect poses an even massive harm to growth and health than physical assault

Young children who underwent extended periods of neglect display more severe cognitive impairments, concentration issues, language deficits, scholastic challenges, withdrawn conduct, and issues with peer interaction as they become older in comparison to kids who were the victims of overt physical abuse. This implies that receiving less attention in early relationships may be more harmful to the developing brain’s architecture than physical damage.

Life consequences are not only decided by genes; development is a highly involved process

Before and shortly after birth, a person encounters significant events that chemically alter some genes, determining how much and when they are expressed. As a result, while environmental circumstances have the power to change family inheritance, genetic factors have a strong impact on human development. For instance, infants are born with the ability to acquire impulse control, attentional concentration, and memory retention, but their early experiences create the groundwork for how effectively these and other executive function abilities develop.

Different Stages in Child Development

There are 5 stages in child development– newborn, infant, toddler, preschool and school age. 

School age is when the comparison with others tends to happen. Constructive comparison is good but it should not surpass beyond a certain limit. Comparison should only be made with peers for the child to receive proper feedback instead of negative criticism. 

Stop Comparing your Child to Others

Remind yourself that there is a better choice than comparison

Occasionally, parents adopt the erroneous belief that pressuring their children to continuously measure up to others will somehow boost their motivation and potential. This is blatantly false. Please remember that communicating things related to a child’s performance should be done emphatically and responsibly. Comparing your child to others never helps!

Inform yourself that the comparison is inaccurate

Firstly, understand that a child’s growth is influenced by a variety of things, including their physical and mental capabilities as well as the environment in which they learn. Speak to your child and attempt to make it simpler if they are having trouble understanding lessons or learning things.

Build Trust

Sorry to put this in strong terms but you are a lousy parent if your own kids don’t trust you. You are also a lousy parent if you draw comparisons all the time. Combining the two, if you give your child the impression that they are a burden on you, they will lose faith in you, and that is detrimental to their overall growth.

It could make you less advantageous

Nobody enjoys continually being judged by others, and when your own parents are being so critical, it’s much more painful and embarrassing. It’s critical that you comprehend how constantly comparing your child to others can lead them to believe they are inadequate, damaging their self-esteem and is something you definitely don’t want. They could even begin to dislike you.

A Food For Thought

As working professionals, mostly masking it up as fully-grown and responsible adults, we perform better when our shortcomings are pointed out without any blithe comparisons with others. Would it be a lie if we say that we don’t like to be compared and pitched incessantly against our peers? 

Think about the young ones who are still figuring out their lives. It is more rational to focus on  a child’s individual needs rather than pointing fingers at them when they perform poorly. Nurturing a child involves being thoughtful, kind and understanding of their situations.

Hand Holding them in their hours of challenges and letting them go when they find a path of their own defines being a good parent. You would want your child to come back to you for help, right? Hearing them out and treating their every fear as valid would make you their safe space. In no time, you would become their most reliable and favourite human. That would be a win for all– your child and you!

Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is actively involved in educating the urban village and rural communities of India about the negative effects of comparing your child to others. Click here to learn how you can be involved in supporting the children in need.

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Smile

Indian Youth and the Dream of An Advanced India

Ready for the Workforce
Ready for the Workforce

No nation can imagine themselves without the vitality of its youth.

Young kids are crucial because they are the foundation of our future. They are our partners today, but they’ll become our leaders tomorrow. Young people are excited and energised. They are able to pick up new skills and adjust to dynamic surroundings. 

Without a nation’s youth, it cannot survive. No matter what industry we wish to advance in—be it technology or sports—youth is an irreplaceable, fixed asset. We must assist them in carrying out their jobs effectively. All of the kids need to be made aware of their potential and their part in the development of the country.

Skill Development Programme For Indian Youth

The major goal of the Skill India initiative is to give young people appropriate training in skills. Additionally, it aspires to increase the total scope and space for neglected sectors as well as possibilities for talent development in the nation.

The Role of Indian Youth in National Development

The future of politics, the economy, technology, and medical science lies in the hands of the youth. The issues the globe is currently experiencing include famine, joblessness, climate change, and other forms of pollution. The future generation has the solution to all of these issues.

In any nation, the youth represent the most vital and energetic element of the population. Statistics indicate that developing nations with sizable youth populations might see significant development in all areas of their economies if they invest in young people’s rights, education, and health. The youthful brains of today will become the leaders, inventors, builders, and innovators of tomorrow.

Numerous job possibilities are possible due to globalisation and India’s booming economy, particularly in the retail and service industries. Previously thought to be less significant, interpersonal behaviour, communication, presentation, client management, company growth, computer competence, and negotiating abilities are now required for candidacy. Today’s entry-level employment requirements have grown to include handling clients skillfully on the phone or via email, working well in teams, giving presentations, and dealing with customers gracefully in person.

In the entire world, India’s youth have the largest population. This gives India an edge over other countries. The developed wealthy countries of the world have an increasing senior citizen population. Additionally, after 76 years of independence Indians are getting more and more educated, this is giving lots of employment opportunities to India youngsters. India is also advancing in many areas of science and business. 

Advancement of India- No More A Dream

Indian youth hold the key to the advancement of India and also for the entire world to an extent. Youth must be encouraged and given access to excellent health, training, and education if they are to be effective leaders, inventors, and innovators who can change the world. When the Youth are employed and generating money rather than being dependent on anyone, the economy of the nation will grow.

Youth has the ability to fix the majority of the issues that our country is now experiencing. The only thing today’s youth require is the opportunity to succeed. Through several demonstrations against violence against women and corruption, we have seen how the youth can bring people from all ethnic groups together. Youth decides which path a nation undertakes at the turn of every decade.

Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation strives to give underserved youth of India access to skill training programmes and career counselling and placements to help them choose the best career path for themselves and make India great heights in the near future. You can also donate to the skilling and upskilling programme, STeP initiative of the Smile Foundation. 

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Girl Child Women Empowerment

National Girl Child Day 2024

National Girl Child Day 2024

National Girl Child Day is a significant occasion celebrated annually on January 24th in India. This day holds profound importance in promoting awareness about the rights, opportunities, and challenges faced by girls in our society. It serves as a platform to advocate for gender equality, emphasize the importance of education for girls, and address issues like child marriage and discrimination.

One of the persistent challenges faced by girls in many parts of India is child marriage. National Girl Child Day is a great day to talk about this issue in great detail.

Recent findings on child marriage in India

In India, recent findings reveal a persistent challenge as one in five girls and nearly one in six boys continue to be wedded before reaching legal age, as reported in a study published. The urgency for a robust national and state-level policy is emphasized by researchers to eradicate child marriage entirely by 2030.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.3, aimed at ending child marriage globally by 2030, a substantial increase in the annual reduction rate, from 1.9% to 23%, is imperative for girls. The success of India is pivotal in achieving this SDG target, acknowledging the significant historical decline in child marriage rates at the national level. However, considerable variability exists at the sub-national level, with varying implementation of programs by state governments.

Despite notable strides in the past three decades, evidence points to a recent stagnation in the decline of child marriage, with the most significant reduction occurring between 2006 and 2016. The prevalence of child marriage in girls across India decreased from 49.4% in 1993 to 22.3% in 2021, and for boys, it decreased from 7.1% in 2006 to 2.2% in 2021.

The study, drawing from data spanning five National Family Health Surveys from 1993 to 2021, underscores substantial regional variations in the prevalence of child marriage. While almost all states witnessed a decline in girl-child marriage, exceptions existed, notably Manipur.

In 2021, the estimated headcount of child marriages was 13,464,450 for girls and 14,54,894 for boys. Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra accounted for over half of the total burden in girls, while Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh accounted for over 60% of the burden in boys. Uttar Pradesh stood out for having a low prevalence but a high burden, while Tripura had a high prevalence but a low burden.

Despite an overall decrease in headcount by just over 5 million individuals between 1993 and 2021, some states, including West Bengal, saw increases. Uttar Pradesh played a pivotal role in the observed decrease in headcount, whereas West Bengal witnessed a significant increase. The complexities of child marriage dynamics in different regions necessitate targeted and varied approaches to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030.

India without child marriages

The elimination of child marriage in India would have transformative effects on individuals, communities, and the nation. One of the key benefits would be the empowerment of girls through increased opportunities for education and personal development. By delaying marriage, girls could pursue their studies, contributing to a more educated and skilled female workforce, which is essential for societal progress.

A significant impact would be observed in terms of improved health outcomes. Delaying early pregnancies associated with child marriage would substantially reduce health risks for both young mothers and infants, leading to lower maternal and infant mortality rates and healthier families overall.

From an economic perspective, the eradication of child marriage would contribute to national growth. Girls, after completing their education, would be better positioned to enter the workforce, resulting in a larger, more skilled labor force that fosters economic development.

Breaking the cycle of child marriage is crucial for poverty reduction. Empowered and educated girls are more likely to escape poverty, contributing positively to their communities and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

The elimination of child marriage is a pivotal step toward achieving gender equality. It challenges harmful gender norms and stereotypes, advocating for the equal rights of girls to education, personal development, and the pursuit of their chosen futures.

Communities would benefit from increased social stability as the negative consequences of child marriage diminish. Early pregnancies, school dropouts, and associated health issues would decrease, leading to healthier and more resilient societies.

Strict adherence to laws prohibiting child marriage would not only protect children’s rights but also set a precedent for legal compliance and respect for human rights. Upholding these laws reinforces the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children.

Psychologically, girls would experience improved well-being without the burden of early marriage. They would have the opportunity for normal emotional and psychological development, reducing the likelihood of emotional trauma associated with premature responsibilities.

Fulfilling the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to end child marriage by 2030, aligns with the global responsibilities of India. It not only enhances its global reputation but also signifies dedication to creating a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens.

In summary, the eradication of child marriage in India would pave the way for a more equitable, healthier, and economically vibrant society, ensuring that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Smile’s She Can Fly for Girl Child

Smile Foundation’s “She Can Fly” campaign stands as a powerful initiative dedicated to advancing girl child education in India. The campaign, launched with the vision that every girl deserves the opportunity to soar high and fulfill her dreams, addresses the challenges that hinder girls access to education and aims to create an environment where they can thrive.

The campaign seeks to break down barriers that traditionally impede the access of girls to schooling, such as societal norms, economic constraints, and gender-based discrimination. By addressing these challenges, Smile Foundation endeavors to empower girls with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.

One of the key focal points of the campaign is to promote enrollment and retention of girls in schools. Through various interventions, including awareness programs, community engagement, and direct support to families, Smile Foundation strives to create an atmosphere where parents and communities value and prioritize the education of their daughters.

Financial hurdles often pose a significant obstacle to girls education. The “She Can Fly” campaign actively works to alleviate these financial burdens through scholarship programs and financial assistance, ensuring that economic constraints do not become a hindrance to the academic journey of a girl.

Beyond academic education, the campaign also emphasizes the importance of holistic development. It includes skill-building programs, mentorship initiatives, and vocational training opportunities to equip girls with practical skills that enhance their employability and prepare them for various life challenges.

By addressing the root causes of gender-based disparities in education, the campaign contributes significantly to building a more equitable and empowered society.

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Smile

Running Bengaluru Marathon 2024

Why do people run marathons and why should you?

At the 1896 Olympics in Athens, the first organised marathon involved only 17 athletes. Marathons have come a long way since then. The winner ran a time of 2:58:50 – a respectable time for an amateur today but almost an hour slower than the fastest runners.

So, why are the races so popular?

With no hopes of winning a gold medal or getting one’s name etched in sports history books, some may wonder why people run marathons at all. The training requires a major commitment of time, energy, and sweat, and the races can be grueling.

Yet despite that, marathon participation all over the world has risen significantly since 1980, and applications for marathons in India have grown exponentially.

The most obvious reasons why people run them are the positive health and mental well-being effects. While some people worry about the harm you can do to your body if unprepared, the overall health benefits tend to significantly outweigh any risks with proper training. The benefits of weight loss and cardiovascular health are well known, but research is continually unveiling new upsides. Running marathons cuts years off your “artery age,” and a recent study showed a possible relationship between improved cognitive function and greater eye health as a result of marathoning.

But what about the psychological motivations?

Each runner will give you different answers.

Some look forward to the feeling of accomplishment they get crossing the finish line which keeps them coming back. There is a surge to it they don’t get from other sports, because the sheer amount of time and effort that goes into a single marathon dwarf that of an individual soccer game or tennis match. Can they push themselves through enough hell to finish is the only question?

Some mainly run because it is a way to experience other cultures. It’s how they explore the world and they firmly believe one of the best ways to experience a new city is on their marathon day.

However, while every runner has different personal reasons, there are some general trends that researchers have observed underpinning people’s attraction to racing over long distances. A study found that “proving the ability to run a marathon race constituted an important life event for a person” and that it could impact their beliefs about the successful execution of potential future achievements.

Another study found that aspects of daily life are tangibly and measurably mirrored in marathon running, such as the tracking of progress, along with the necessity of productivity and efficiency. Across the paper’s interview subjects, runners tended to cite three primary motivators: freedom, achievement, and competition.

But less obviously, the paper also suggests endurance running can also be a way of gaining social status. Showing you are capable of a long-distance race projects qualities of health, productivity, and efficiency to others, she argues, akin to cultivating a personal brand. This effect is only supercharged through social fitness apps that allow runners to share their achievements.

Marathon runners might not all get medals, but they do win a measure of social status. A final commonly cited motivation for running long-distance is the feeling that follows – the so-called “runner’s high.”

So, what exactly is going on in the brain of marathon runners?

It’s commonly thought that hormones called endorphins play a role, but the calm, relaxed feeling that some people report may instead be due to a rise in endocannabinoids in the bloodstream. Unlike endorphins, these can pass into the brain.

During long-distance running, the brain may also dilute the memory of pain. In 2019, a study drew parallels between the pain from giving birth and from marathon running. Both tend to be underestimated when later recalled, which may be explained by the release of oxytocin in the brain which influences how the memory is encoded, say the researchers. The way pain is remembered is also viewed through the context: if a marathon medal or a baby is on the other end of the pain endured, one may regard the extent of the pain differently.

This may help to explain why “repeat marathoners” are common and they have committed to running at least one marathon a year, and many have run with a family member by their side.

Smile Foundation and TCS Bengaluru Marathon 2024

Participating in the Bengaluru Marathon, either individually or as part of a corporate team, offers a diverse range of benefits. For individuals, it promotes physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of personal achievement. The event serves as a platform for community engagement, fostering connections and inclusivity among participants. Corporate partnerships enhance team-building through shared training experiences, contributing to a positive work environment.

Moreover, the Bengaluru Marathon aligned with charitable causes, allows participants to make a social impact. The Bengaluru Marathon offers a holistic experience that extends beyond running, encompassing physical health, community building, personal growth, social impact, and environmental awareness. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of running and community engagement. Register for the Bengaluru marathon today and help children imagine a different, better life for themselves.

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Education

Why is a Wellness Curriculum Important for Our Children?

Why is a Wellness Curriculum Important for Our Children?

In a significant stride towards holistic education, Oxford University Press India recently introduced a groundbreaking Wellness Curriculum. Crafted as the first of its kind in India, the curriculum, titled “My Happiness and Me,” comprises a series of eight activity workbooks tailored for school children in classes 1-8. This innovative initiative aims to bridge the gap that conventional education might miss by fostering a deeper understanding of emotions, promoting physical well-being, cultivating healthy relationships, and instilling a sense of ecological responsibility.

The curriculum’s inception aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, echoing their emphasis on the holistic development of learners. In tandem with Sustainable Development Goal 3, focused on good health and well-being, the My Happiness and Me series empowers learners to embrace healthy practices, navigate their emotions, and distinguish between positive and negative feelings.

Why is Smile Foundation cheering loudly for this major development in the Indian Education system?

Implementing a wellness curriculum for school children holds the promise of numerous positive impacts on their overall development. One key consideration is its potential to contribute to the holistic development of children by addressing not only their academic needs but also their emotional, social, and physical well-being. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of a child’s life and acknowledges that their overall health is crucial for effective learning.

A significant aspect of a wellness curriculum is its focus on mental health education. By integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum, it can help reduce stigma, raise awareness about mental health issues, and equip children with coping mechanisms. This, in turn, empowers them to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges they may encounter throughout their lives.

Another notable benefit is the potential to instill healthy lifestyle habits from a young age. Wellness education can teach children about the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and proper sleep, fostering habits that can contribute to a healthier adulthood. This proactive approach towards health can have long-lasting effects on the well-being of individuals.

Emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect that can be developed through a wellness curriculum. By helping children understand and manage their emotions, such a curriculum enhances interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict-resolution abilities. This emotional resilience is essential in preparing children to navigate challenges and setbacks they may encounter in various aspects of life.

Social well-being is also addressed through a curriculum that includes social skills development. This can contribute to enhancing communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills among students, fostering a positive social environment within schools.

Furthermore, wellness education can play a preventive role by offering information on the dangers of risky behaviors such as substance abuse, bullying, and unhealthy relationships. Educating children about these issues empowers them to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure.

There is evidence to suggest that students who are physically active and emotionally well-balanced may perform better academically. A wellness curriculum that supports these aspects could contribute to improved concentration and cognitive function, potentially translating into enhanced academic performance.

The habits and knowledge acquired through a wellness curriculum are not confined to the school years; they can extend into adulthood, promoting a healthier lifestyle and overall well-being throughout an individual’s life. Moreover, wellness education can involve parents, creating a collaborative approach to the child’s well-being. This fosters a supportive environment both at home and in school.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential challenges such as the need for well-trained educators, potential resistance to changes in the curriculum, and the necessity of age-appropriate content. Despite these challenges, a thoughtful and comprehensive wellness curriculum has the potential to positively shape the lives of school children and contribute to the creation of a healthier and more resilient generation.

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Women Empowerment

Breaking Barriers Hindering Women Empowerment in India

Breaking Barriers Hindering Women Empowerment in India

In a country as diverse and complex as India, the journey toward women empowerment has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. Historically, Indian society has been rooted in patriarchal traditions, but the winds of change have been blowing steadily, led by strong, resilient women.

Understanding the Barriers to Women Empowerment

Societal Norms and Gender Stereotypes

The most pervasive barrier is the societal expectation of women’s roles. Traditionally seen as homemakers, many Indian women are expected to prioritize family over career. These stereotypes limit their opportunities and aspirations.

Girls are brought up in a societal framework that ingrains the belief that marriage is an irrevocable institution. Ceremonies like the coming-of-age ritual, often marked by a social event following the first menstruation of a girl, persist in many parts of India, reinforcing her primary role as a reproductive figure. Growing up in such an environment, it’s not surprising that questioning the permanence of a marriage or speaking out against abuse is seldom perceived as a viable or honorable choice. This holds true even for economically independent women.

Prevailing gender norms might lead women engaged in paid work to experience guilt. This guilt is not only about tolerating spousal violence but also justifying it, surpassing the levels observed in women not engaged in paid work. Consequently, an abusive husband may consolidate his control over the marriage by resorting to violence. Shockingly, a good percent of women in paid work encountered spousal violence, compared to women not engaged in paid work.

While many instances of domestic turmoil can potentially be resolved amicably, it is evident that Indian women seldom view divorce as a viable option, even in extreme cases of violence. Divorce carries a social stigma and is perceived as diminishing family honor. In this social context, education and economic resources may not necessarily enhance a woman’s confidence in her own abilities or self-worth, intensifying the difficulty of breaking free from marital violence.

While a progressive legal framework is undeniably essential, its impact on societal change might be limited. The portrayal of women in the media, depicting them as selflessly dedicated to family responsibilities while men assume provider roles, reinforces gender segregation. An effective strategy could involve showcasing successful women CEOs and athletes as role models to reshape people’s perceptions. Additionally, having male role models who actively challenge gender stereotypes could contribute positively. Despite the positive intentions, it remains doubtful that these initiatives alone can significantly disrupt broader societal practices and beliefs concerning women’s roles.

Educational Disparities

Although education for girls has improved, there remain significant gaps, especially in rural areas. The literacy rate among women, while improving, is still lower than that of men, impacting career opportunities and women empowerment.

Despite the relatively low literacy rates for girls in India, there has been a general upward trend in literacy across the country. Over the years, literacy rates have surged from 40.7% in 1981 to the recent 77%. The Indian government has implemented substantial measures to enhance the education system, resulting in a noteworthy reduction in the literacy gender gap since the 1980s. Despite these improvements, a literacy gap between genders persists.

Owing to cultural traditions, patriarchal values, and poverty, families often prioritize the marriage of their daughters over their education. Marriage is deemed a more pressing concern, resulting in the premature marriage of many girls before they can complete their education.

The term “Paraya dhan” is frequently used to characterize girls in India, reflecting the societal perception that girls are considered a burden. “Paraya” translates to “not one’s own,” while “dhan” conveys the idea of property and wealth, symbolizing the cultural belief that girls are meant to transition from being under the ownership of their father to that of their husband upon marriage.

Wives frequently have to discontinue their education due to the predominant domestic responsibilities assigned to them. Despite having the option to continue their education post-marriage, this is uncommon due to early pregnancies, stringent gender roles, poverty, and the necessity for someone to handle domestic labor.

Inadequate Menstrual Hygiene Management also serves as a barrier to girl child education. Mismanagement of menstrual hygiene, often influenced by poverty and a lack of accessibility, poses challenges for girls in obtaining necessary supplies during their periods. Moreover, a lack of knowledge about menstruation, coupled with the fear of staining or leaking, leads many girls to stay home during their periods to avoid embarrassment. Millions of girls drop out of school annually in India due to insufficient products and a lack of hygiene education. Studies on school attendance of girls in rural India revealed that one out of five girls missed school during their period, with many facing concentration problems and expressing fear of staining, smelling, or losing their cloths or pads in school. The majority of the surveyed girls were using cloths without access to sanitary pads or tampons.

Then there is child labor which is a significant impediment to girl child education in India. Child labor deprives them of opportunities, affecting their ability to enroll and participate fully in school. India has one of the highest numbers of child laborers globally. While more boys engage in skilled vocations outside the home, girls predominantly perform domestic labor, often unpaid and with long hours. The Child Labor Act of 1986 prohibited children under 14 from working in specific locations, but domestic and agricultural work, where many girls are employed, remains challenging to monitor. This often results in girls missing school, struggling to keep up with coursework, and, in some cases, dropping out of school due to the demands of domestic labor.

Economic Constraints

Financial independence is crucial for empowerment, but women often face challenges in accessing credit and other financial services. This limitation hinders their ability to start businesses or pursue careers.

When women seek employment, often due to life changes such as divorce, the death of a spouse, or financial necessity, they encounter significant challenges. The prevalence of early school dropout in India contributes to a lack of basic knowledge and networks needed to navigate the job market. Women who cannot pursue higher education or technical training face increased difficulty finding employment, perpetuating their financial dependence and hindering their ability to break the cycle of poverty.

While a lack of educational access is a contributing factor, the unequal distribution of labor between men and women also plays a role in shaping the desire for education. Studies indicate that women actively seeking employment in India experience longer periods of unemployment compared to men. Even educated women who manage to secure employment face a substantial wage gap.

In certain regions of India, women reportedly earn less than 70% of the wages earned by their male counterparts. This wage disparity reinforces gender discrimination in the workforce, creating a discouraging narrative that questions the necessity of educating women when they struggle to secure jobs or receive equitable wages compared to educated men. This cyclic relationship underscores the interdependence of economic opportunities and education for women in India, with each factor influencing and shaping the other.

Lack of Representation

In politics, business, and media, women representation remains low in India. This lack of visibility perpetuates the cycle of disempowerment, as there are fewer role models for young women.

In a significant development, India’s legislature recently passed a groundbreaking bill mandating the allocation of one-third of seats for women in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha), the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and state legislative assemblies nationwide. This transformative reform seeks to address the glaring gender disparity in the political representation of India, where the country currently ranks 141 out of 185 nations globally.

Efforts to implement a national gender quota in India have a history dating back to 1996, with six previous attempts facing obstacles, including opposition from smaller regional parties. Unlike previous attempts, the recent bill garnered support from across the political spectrum and women’s rights advocates. However, challenges such as delayed implementation and concerns about democratic backsliding pose potential threats to the positive impact of these quotas.

Once enacted, the reservation will substantially enhance women political representation, addressing the current disparity where women hold only 15.2% of seats in the Lok Sabha and 13.9% in the Rajya Sabha as of 2023.

Despite the anticipated positive outcomes, challenges persist in encouraging more Indian women to enter politics. Barriers include deeply ingrained gender norms, limited roles for women outside the home, lower political awareness, safety concerns, and sexism within political parties. Critics argue that gender quotas may lead to tokenistic inclusion, with male leaders controlling selected female candidates.

India’s experience with local government quotas, reserving one-third of village council leadership positions for women since the 1990s, suggests potential governance improvements and benefits for women citizens. Globally, 137 countries have implemented gender quotas, leading to increased health spending, legislation on women’s rights, and heightened responsiveness to female constituents. However, backlash and resistance have also emerged in certain cases.

Balancing the gains in political representation with broader democratic values remains a complex task, and the success of gender quotas in India will depend on navigating these multifaceted challenges.

Pioneering Women Entrepreneurs in India

Amid these challenges, several Indian women have broken barriers, paving the way for others. Their stories are not just about personal success but also about inspiring a new generation of women.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Founder of Biocon Limited, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a trailblazer in the biotechnology industry. Starting her journey in the male-dominated field in 1978, she has grown Biocon into one of India’s largest biopharmaceutical companies.

Vandana Luthra

Vandana Luthra started VLCC, a beauty and wellness giant, in 1989 when the concept of wellness was still new in India. Her vision and entrepreneurial skills have made VLCC a renowned name in the beauty and wellness industry.

Indra Nooyi

Although more globally recognized, Indra Nooyi’s journey began in India. As the former CEO of PepsiCo, she has been an inspiration to many, showcasing how Indian women can lead on the global stage.

Falguni Nayar

The founder of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar, has revolutionized the Indian beauty industry. Her online platform has made high-quality beauty products accessible, and her success story encourages women to venture into digital entrepreneurship.

Moving Forward: Actions and Initiatives

Educational Reforms

Educational policies must focus on reducing the gender gap in education, ensuring girls have access to quality education and career guidance.

Economic Policies

Creating more opportunities for women in the workforce and easing their entry into entrepreneurship is crucial. This includes access to credit, business networks, and mentorship programs.

Social Awareness

Changing societal attitudes is a long-term process that requires consistent effort. Media campaigns, education, and public dialogues can play a significant role in altering perceptions about women’s roles.

Policy and Representation

Encouraging more women to take up leadership roles in various sectors can have a ripple effect. Policies that promote gender diversity in corporate boards, politics, and other fields are essential.

Conclusion

The journey of empowering women in India is ongoing and multifaceted. While there are significant barriers, the stories of successful Indian women entrepreneurs provide hope and a roadmap. As a society, collective efforts in education, policy-making, and changing social norms can accelerate this journey toward a more equal and empowered future for Indian women.

Our women empowerment program Swabhiman has been making efforts to bridge the existing gaps for women and adolescent girls that leave them out of the growth cycle. Through community mobilization on health and hygiene topics, sessions on low-cost high-nutrition recipes, integrating the power of local cultural ceremonies like Godh Bharai, Annaprashana, etc. into local events and specialized workshops on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, all our efforts are to empower women and girls to become independent in every possible manner.

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