Empowering women in manufacturing.

When I visited India a few years ago during summer break, I met a 15 year old girl, Rajita, working at a relative’s house. Then, I learned that she was forced to stop high school because her parents couldn’t afford it. She needed to work to provide for herself. I thought of a typical 15 year old in the US enjoying their high school years. I was very angry to learn that although Rajita was forced to drop out of high school, her older brother was in school because their parents wanted a brighter future for him. This was an obvious inequity that needed to be changed. Later, I learned from my dad about programs that are bringing more women into manufacturing. Manufacturing is a field that has mostly men in the workforce. That’s how I was introduced to the Venus Betiyan (Daughters of Venus) program to pay scholarships to young women in remote villages in India to learn trade skills required for manufacturing. After graduation, they have a great chance of finding jobs that pay well. This is a life changing opportunity. Unfortunately, the program could only help a few students.

So, I made it my goal to raise enough money to support 10 girls to go to the trade school. 200 dollars are needed to support each girl. I am working this summer and I am going to support 2 girls with the money from my job.

I am also taking donations. Would you please help me with this cause? No amount is too small.

I will continue updating my progress and sharing stories of students.