Latest news with #Minakshi
New Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Three women hacked to death on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: Three women, including a 17-year-old girl, were hacked to death by sharp-edged weapons in separate incidents during the last six days in rural areas of Chhattisgarh over suspicion of practicing witchcraft (Tohni). 17-year old Minakshi Markam is the youngest so far to have been killed after being branded as 'Tohni' in the state. All three women were brutally assaulted and killed. Besides Minakshi at Dhakuni village in Maoist-affected Kanker district, 75-year-old Sanmet Kashyap at Sanbahli village in Mahasamund and another elderly woman Hidma Podiyami at Katekalyan in Dantewada were murdered last week, by their neighbours. A couple of months ago, President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Chhattisgarh Assembly praised the state for enacting laws intended for social welfare and development including the protection for women as seen in the Witch-Hunting Prevention Act of 2005. Chhattisgarh Tonhi Pratadna Nivaran Adhiniyam 2005, aimed against witch-hunting of women and to prevent the atrocities faced by them on the name of Tohni, is punishable with imprisonment upto 3 years with fine.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
How Skill-Based Education is Empowering Women in India
In the rural Tripura, Minakshi, a young woman belonging to a modest background, reformed her life through skill-based education. Soon after completing a vocational training program in beauty and wellness, she not only secured employment but also became a trainer, inspiring other women. Similarly, Rina Debnath, trained under an initiative to skill Self-Help Groups (SHGs), turned her expertise in handicrafts into a profitable business, transporting bamboo products all over India. Their stories epitomize the power of skill-based education in empowering women as well as fostering social progress. The Changing Landscape of Women's Education in India As India transitions from rote-based to outcome-based learning, education systems are increasingly emphasizing skills aligned with industry requirements. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2023, only 25.4% of Indian women are engaged in the labour force, highlighting the urgent need for market-ready, application-driven education. Schools, colleges, and universities must evolve by introducing interdisciplinary vocational subjects early in the curriculum to familiarize young women with emerging career paths. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has emphasized integrating vocational education into mainstream academics from Grade 6 onwards, aiming to create a generation of women who are not only academically sound but also industry ready. Filling the Gender Gap and Advancing Gender Equality in the Workforce The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023 has ranked India 127th out of 146 in women's economic participation. Industry-integrated learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) help bridge this gap. Women who are certified through RPL saw a 30% wage increase (NSDC, 2023), at the same time vocational training results in boosting formal employment chances by 35% (International Labour Organization). The United Nations approximates that closing the gender gap could add $700 billion to India's GDP by 2025. Collaboration between the educators, policymakers, and industry leaders is the key to building an inclusive and economically empowered India. Financial Independence Through Skill Training Skill-based education equips women with practical, employment-oriented knowledge, laying the foundation for financial independence. In sectors like IT and healthcare, women trained in coding, cybersecurity, medical lab technology, and emergency care are securing stable, often global, job opportunities. Notably, certified nursing assistants have reported an average salary increase of 40% post-training. Financial autonomy is a cornerstone of women's empowerment and skill development plays a crucial role in achieving it. Beyond jobs, it also opens doors to entrepreneurship, enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods on their own terms. Empowering Rural and Tribal Women Skill universities and rural extension centers enhance education access by offering regional language courses, flexible schedules, and mobile learning, especially for marginalized communities. Government and CSR efforts are bridging gender gaps—like a Jharkhand program that trained 500 tribal women in organic farming, boosting their income by 40%. Since 2020, over 1.2 million rural women have received vocational training, per the Ministry of Skill Development. Yet, societal barriers remain, with only 15% participation among rural women, according to NITI Aayog (2023). Addressing this requires greater awareness, community involvement, and inclusive, gender-responsive policies for sustained impact. Entrepreneurship and Startups that are Led by Women Integrating entrepreneurship modules into school and college curriculum can equip young women with the mindset, skills, and confidence to become job creators. Business incubators, pitch competitions, and access to experienced mentors serve as crucial enablers in this journey. Government initiatives like the Stand-Up India Scheme have supported over 1.5 lakh women entrepreneurs through access to business loans, fuelling a growing ecosystem of women-led enterprises. According to FICCI (2023), women-led startups in India are growing at an annual rate of 20%, with many leveraging vocational trainings as a springboard for their ventures. Digital Literacy and Technology Inclusion The digital revolution is unleashing new opportunities. Digital literacy programs are encouraging women's participation in the gig economy, remote work, e-commerce. Educational institutions must go beyond basic computer skills and integrate modules on AI, digital marketing, UI/UX design, and cloud computing to prepare women for tomorrow's workforce. According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), digital literacy amidst women in rural India has increased from 17% in 2017 to 42% in 2023, which exhibits a significant shift towards technology-based empowerment. The Role of Skilling in Higher Education Institutions Higher education institutions focused on skill development play a pivotal role in empowering women. Skills universities become of paramount importance here. Since up to 70% of their curriculums are skill-based, industry collaborations become much more seamless and help in integrating practical and experiential learning through educational pathways. These institutions serve as bridges between academic knowledge and employment opportunities. By collaborating with industries, integrating apprenticeships, and offering flexible credit-based pathways, they ensure that women are equipped to succeed. The Impact of Government and CSR Initiatives Government schemes such as the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) enrich skill-based education. CSR initiatives add value to these efforts by funding training programs, raising awareness, and providing infrastructure support. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CSR spending on skill development programs has increased by 42% in the last five years. Vision for a Gender-Equal Workforce An education system that prioritizes skill development, inclusivity, and industry alignment will be central to achieving gender equality in the workforce. Empowering women through skill-based education is not just about employment, it's about agency, dignity, and transformation. As we look toward the future, our vision is clear: to create a workforce where women are equal participants and leaders. (The author is Founder & Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University)
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
These mompreneurs turned career breaks into successful gigs
Motherhood often signifies a shift in priorities, but for some, it ignites the courage to start their businesses. We spoke to inspiring mothers nationwide who turned their career breaks into entrepreneurial victories . T here is no set timeline to follow your dreams: Minakshi Jhawar Minakshi's venture: Ekatra – A platform that empowers homemakers to work from home Minakshi Jhawar, from Rajasthan, began her entrepreneurial journey in her 50s. 'As a homemaker, I had always been creating something on the side. When Aishwarya saw my work, we decided to give homemakers like me a platform and an identity,' she says. Minakshi says no woman should feel powerless because she is not earning. Inspired by her belief in financial independence, her organisation provides homemakers training and opportunities to earn from home. Minakshi believes age should never stop anyone from achieving their dreams. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor 'It is never too late to start your passion project. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are worth it,' she said. Starting a business after being a homemaker empowered and helped me get financially free. I want all women to experience that Minakshi Jhawar Motherhood has been my biggest teacher: Simrat Kathuria Simrat's venture: Diet Xperts – A wellness company offering online and offline consultations Simrat Kathuria, a Ludhiana-based celebrity dietitian, launched Diet Xperts after a decade-long career break to raise her children. 'I started when my kids were seven and eight, and I asked myself, if not now, then when?' she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Simrat now leads a team of 25 women. Despite her success, she is also a mom. 'It's never easy, you're working and still expected to be there for everything,' she shared, adding that her husband's support was crucial in the early days of her business. Reflecting on her journey, Simrat advises, 'I may have started late, but I started.' It's never easy. You are working, but you are still expected to be there for everything at home Simran Kathuria Work and home can coexist: Heena Patel Heena's venture: Magic Needles- A platform selling knitted and handmade products Heena Patel, from Mumbai, turned her knitting hobby into a business after taking a break from her banking career. 'I wasn't used to having so much time on my hands, it felt unsettling. Knitting came to my rescue. I used to knit sweaters and accessories for my kids. My friends and family suggested I put them up online,' she says. When one of Asia's largest kids' stores began to buy her creations, Heena knew she had created something big. 'I had no agenda to mass produce. For me, each piece had to carry the love and skill that handmade work offers. So I trained over 300 women across India — many who had never earned before or came from conservative communities,' she shared. I'm a mother first, but I'm also passionate about what I do. The key has been building a life where both coexist Heena Patel Motherhood made me an empathetic leader: empathetic leader: Garima Satija Garima's venture: PoshVine – A discovery platform for dining experiences Garima Satija, based in Bengaluru, launched PoshVine in 2011-12, a dining discovery platform. 'I started PoshVine at 26, and my daughters, Arya and Meera, grew with my business, and I grew with them,' Garima said. 'Running a business does not give you the option of a maternity break, but it allows you to work at your own pace. I was back to work on the fifth day after my first daughter's birth and the third day after my second,' she adds. Garima believes that motherhood has made her a more empathetic leader. 'The nurturing instinct of being a mother extended to my workspace. I learned patience, empathy, and responsibility—not just towards my children, but also towards my clients and team,' she says. The nurturing instinct of being a mother extended to my workspace. I learned patience, empathy, and responsibility—not just towards my children, but also towards my clients and team Garima Satija With no money generated initially, I thought I'd made a mistake: Sonica Aron Sonica's venture: Marching Sheep – An HR consultancy firm with over 400 clients in 50 countries A former HR head at a corporate company, Sonica Aron, says she took a risk by leaving her corporate job to set up her own business post motherhood. The Delhi-based entrepreneur says, 'I launched Marching Sheep in 2013 when my daughter was just three months old. It was a tough call to make. Initially, I didn't make money, and I wondered if I had taken the wrong step. Today, our company serves over 400 clients in 50 countries. ' She believes that motherhood taught her more than spreadsheets ever could. 'It has made me a better facilitator, I don't come from a place of authority, I come as a learner, and it helps me connect deeply with my audience,' she says. In a job, you can shut your laptop. In your own venture, you don't switch off. Ideas can come at 2 a.m., and you just act on them Sonica Aron Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
