Special Women Projects

The Shyama Foundation is planning a powerful suite of initiatives aimed at breaking cycles of economic dependence and marginalization among rural women. Recognizing that self-reliance is built on financial independence, education, and safety, these programs “Pink Rickshaw”, “Rozgar Kendra for Women”, and “Second Chance” are designed to provide structured pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurial opportunity, and career reintegration, transforming the economic landscape for women in the region.

“Pink Rickshaw” or “e-Riksha Sakhi”: Driving Economic Independence

The “Pink Rickshaw” or “e-Riksha Sakhi” initiative is a planned, visible, and immediate pathway to dignified daily income for rural women. This program aims to establish women-led driver groups for modern, eco-friendly battery/electric rickshaws in local towns, addressing both unemployment and the need for safe public transport.

  • Training and Access to Capital: We will actively partner with e-rickshaw manufacturing companies and financial institutions to provide comprehensive driving and maintenance training. This partnership will also facilitate easy, subsidized loans for women to acquire their own vehicles, turning them instantly into micro-entrepreneurs.
  • Safety and Professionalism: We prioritize the safety and professionalism of our drivers by providing official uniforms, photo ID cards, and robust safety training (including first aid and self-defense).
  • Outcome: The initiative ensures that women can earn safely with a daily fixed income, while simultaneously creating high visibility for empowered women in public spaces, inspiring countless others in the community.

Rozgar Kendra for Women: The Job Seeker’s Hub

The Rozgar Kendra for Women is being planned as a dedicated, one-stop help center to provide structured, ongoing employment support for unemployed rural women. This initiative will centralize information and opportunities that are often fragmented or inaccessible.

Information and Counseling

The Kendra will serve as a vital resource by consistently displaying local job alerts and organizing awareness sessions on government schemes and financial aid. Staff will provide crucial career counseling and mentorship tailored to rural women’s aspirations and constraints.

Direct Placement Opportunities

The centre will organize regular “Rozgar Mela” (Job Fairs), bringing nearby factories, local stores, online job platforms, and employers directly to the villages. This removes travel barriers and facilitates on-the-spot interviews and job placements.

Outcome

This initiative ensures a structured and continuous support system, helping rural women make informed career choices and transition efficiently into stable employment.

Second Chance: Re-education & Career Restart Program

The Second Chance program is a critical planned initiative focused on re-education and career reintegration for women whose careers were interrupted by marriage, motherhood, or economic necessity, including widows and long-term dropouts.

  • Targeted Courses: We plan to offer intensive, short-duration 6-month certificate courses focused on highly relevant, modern skills, such as spoken English, computer basics/digital literacy, and home-based business management. These skills are chosen for their high applicability and flexibility in a rural context.
  • Certified Partnerships: To ensure the quality and recognition of these qualifications, we will partner with reputable skill institutes and online platforms (such as the National Skill Development Corporation – NSDC and various Hunar Hubs). This provides participants with certified training that is recognized nationally, making their restart credible and competitive.
  • Outcome: This program provides women with the necessary skills and certifications to confidently re-enter the workforce, start their own micro-ventures, and achieve economic security after years away from formal education or employment.