In the bustling city of Indore, Ganga Chandel’s journey has been one of transformation. Formerly a school cleaner, the 36-year-old mother of two found herself drawn towards a new horizon. Today, she confidently handles electrical tasks and wiring, earning up to Rs 8,000 a month as an electrician. Her story is intertwined with the Samaan Social Development Society, an organization working relentlessly to empower women like Ganga.
The Samaan Social Development Society
The Samaan Society, meaning ‘equality’ in Hindi, was established in 2010 in Musakhedi, Indore, to uplift women from socially marginalized backgrounds. From providing legal aid to victims of abuse to training women as drivers and mechanics, this non-profit is now lighting up lives through an innovative initiative – training women as electricians.
A journey of transformation
Chandel’s journey began in May 2023 when she enrolled in a training workshop at the Samaan Society. Founder & Director Rajendra Bandhu shared that this initiative took root in October 2022, training women for three to five months. While it was initially a challenge to encourage women to join, the organization persevered, emphasizing the safety and potential of the training.
For women like Reena Kanare, aged 27, the training offered a lifeline out of despair. After separating from her husband, she found herself at a crossroads. A friend’s mention of the Samaan Society’s work ignited a spark of hope within her. Today, she stands proudly as an electrician, demonstrating the program’s power to reshape lives.
Changing notions through action
The challenges faced by these women were manifold, including skepticism and gender biases. Yet, women like Preeti Verma, armed with training and newfound skills, shattered stereotypes. With a B.Ed degree and a fulfilling career as an electrician, Verma noted how her presence was often welcomed by households, where a woman’s touch brought a unique perspective to electrical repairs.
Paving the way for a better tomorrow
These women aren’t just electricians – they’re torchbearers of change. Many embarked on this journey as they fulfilled their domestic responsibilities, breaking barriers in their 40s and contributing significantly to their families’ welfare. Kusum Paikara, for instance, shifted her narrative from being a wife and mother to an independent electrician earning around Rs 10,000 a month.
For Chandel, Paikara, and countless others, this newfound career is a stepping stone to brighter futures. The financial independence they’ve gained holds the promise of better education for their children, shielding them from the challenges these women once faced.
Conclusion
Through Samaan Society’s initiative, women are rewriting their stories, shifting from conventional roles to paths of empowerment. As these women prove their mettle as electricians, they inspire a future where gender equality and economic independence go hand in hand, creating a harmonious and empowered society.
