Exploring new avenues

Choosing a profession is a man-made concept, so are gender bias professions. Those dwelling in the cities are consistently fighting against this bias but those in the Tier II and Tier III cities have their own unique battles to break the norm. A bunch of girls who have moved to Pratham’s Vocational training center in Panvel from the nearby villages and small towns are shining examples of one such battle.

All of the 8 girls seemed to be in a discussion with one of the instructors. There was some excitement in the air. The girls walked towards the storage area with purpose. They put on their aprons and a safety helmet and set to work on their last day at the center.

They represent the first all-girls batch of PACE’s Electrical training course in Maharashtra. These girls were absorbing some last minute tips before heading for an interview for job placement in Pune. The move from their respective homes to Panvel for training and then to Pune for employment is a big transition in their life back home which was about household chores and routine since childhood.

Samita is one of the girls who dreamt of going places. After completing her 12th grade she was at home with no direction towards any definite career path. This is when she heard about Pratham Vocational training course. She opted for the Electrical training course without a moment’s hesitation.

Samita says, “I was always the go to person in the house in case of a break-down of any appliance. I was more interested in the ‘man’s world’ of hard physical work, gadgets and equipment.”

The three month course provides theoretical as well as practical knowledge of the subject. The students get an opportunity to work hands-on at the centre which is build specifically to give the students a feel of being on field.

This opportunity with PACE gave Samita and other girls like her a chance to step out and explore a world of possibilities. It helped them learn to not limit themselves at an age when there is scope for every passion.