Women's Empowerment - Social rural development

Work Commitment

With the introduction of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women in 2001 the Indian Government has said ‘Our vision in the new century of a nation where women are equal partners with men’, more than 10 years on and in reality Indian women struggle to gain empowerment through society. 

Education is the most influential tool to raise the status of women and at iSPiiCE volunteering in India we run a variety of educational and confidence building activities to benefit women and adolescent girls in the local community.

English and Computers: Within a class group iSPiiCE volunteers identify the skills already in place and most of the ladies are at beginner's level of English language (having been taught in early school years) and are absolute beginners on computers. It is necessary for them to improve both their computer skills, (starting from the very basics of touch typing, improving their wpm speed and Microsoft Office skills) and English writing and conversation skills.  Some of the ladies aspire to work in the surrounding towns in office jobs.

English teaching and computer classes impart much needed skills to the ladies, increases their self worth and offers a platform for social interaction, ultimately increasing the ladies social status and employment prospects. Furthermore they help to build confidence and provide a platform for social interaction with other women in their communities. One good technique for building rapport and empowering the local women is to ask them to teach you basic Hindi at the same time as you are teaching them. You’ll come back with fond memories of an unforgettable experience of volunteering in India.

Women's Empowerment is a very enjoyable and worthwhile work area and both sides are provided with a new learning experience. Not only do the ladies learn from iSPiiCE volunteers but volunteers learn so much about the ladies daily lives and Indian culture, forming friendships with each of their students.

Women's Empowerment - Views from the ground

"iSPiiCE was unforgettable. There is no better way to receive the full experience of India. By challenging me to fully immerse myself within Indian culture I have come back to the United States a changed woman. iSPiiCE introduced the idea of approaching women's empowerment issues through education and has thus inspired me to take a more active role towards improving the lives of women around the globe. iSPiiCE, thank you for igniting a passion and opening my eyes."
 
Kaitlin Rattigan, Women's Empowerment Volunteer India 2011