For Nazmeen Begum, getting a job after graduating with a BA degree was not an option, as her family would not allow it. But the shy 20-year-old now has some hope of making it on her own, thanks to the four-month course she has enrolled in at a vocational training centre that she joined three months ago.
The vocational centre, which is run jointly by the Aga Khan Foundation and Mahita, an NGO, has given a new lease of life for many like Nazmeen, who want to learn some skills to survive on their own.
At the centre, the girls are taught tailoring and trained in beautician course as part of the programme.
“Once the course is completed, I can start to work on my own from home,” said Nazmeen, who has another month to go.
Nazmeen’s story is similar to that of the others girls at the training centre. Yasmeen Ansari, another graduate, took up the four-month course as she plans to open a beauty parlour at her house in the coming days. Her father, who is a manager at a shop in Abids, would not permit her to take up a job. “I was told that no woman has worked outside till now, but I can at least work from home now,” she added.
The course, however, is a fresh lease of life for some whose families let them take up jobs once they complete their training. Shireen Begum is one of them, and she hopes to start working soon. The oldest among five daughters, she also plans to enrol into a degree course next year.
Lukhimai Linnebank, Programme Officer – Policy and Partnerships, Aga Khan Foundation (AGF), India, said one of the main aims of the foundation is to help girls from marginalised communities.
Apart from offering vocational training, the AGF would also undertaker a water and sanitation programme in the coming days.
I was told that no woman has worked outside till now, but I can at least work from home
Yasmeen Ansari
A graduate
