Tech Training Oasis: Empowering Rural Women in India with STEM Skills

In the idyllic village of Kandabari, against the backdrop of the Himalayas, a revolution is underway. At Sapna Center, an initiative by the non-profit Sajhe Sapne, rural women are being trained in STEM, transforming societal expectations and carving a path into India's burgeoning IT sector. Established in 2020 by Surabhi Yadav, an IIT Delhi graduate, the center empowers women facing challenges such as early marriage and financial hardship by imparting coding skills, web design, project management, and foundational mathematics.

Nineteen-year-old Kriti Kumari, like many others, has found refuge and opportunity at the center. Defying her brother's opposition and a looming marriage, she now envisions a future in IT, breaking free from the constraints of traditional household roles.

Language barriers are often a significant hurdle, but at Sajhe Sapne, teachers employ local languages to explain complex coding concepts with simplicity and relatable analogies. The training programs are adapted to the cultural context, enabling understanding and retention.

An intricate social tapestry weaves through the classrooms. Kajal Ufhade, from an unprivileged caste community in Punjab, recounts her experiences with systemic discrimination. However, as a current student at the center, she represents a beacon of hope and inspiration within her community.

The center's innovative approach is not without its challenges. Graduates face employment difficulties due to stringent educational requirements in the industry. However, Sapna Center maintains a 75% employment rate, with graduates finding jobs in varied fields. Some, like Simran, have bravely founded their own technology ventures in light of job rejections, demonstrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Sajhe Sapne's success owes much to crowdfunding and grants from various organizations, but sustainable funding remains a crucial goal. The center aims to integrate with government programs while encouraging a strong alumni network for support.

With ambitions to train 20,000 women in the next five years, Sajhe Sapne is not just teaching women to code; it's coding a new narrative for rural women's empowerment in India.