Peruth Kasolo has lived in Fort Portal her whole life, and she dropped out of school 2 years ago after getting pregnant[1]. Once she left school, her dreams were put on hold, and she was unable to seek out resources to lift herself up. She voiced her greatest concern--not for herself, but for her son's future--that she was unable to earn enough from her $3 per month income to pay for his school fees. Fortunately, Peruth was able to join KadAfrica's program, where she learned modern methods of farming and took classes in savings and finance. After her 6 months of training, she now harvests at least 30kg of passion fruit per week, and is paid over $50 per month from growing fruit on her KadAfrica plot and at home--more than enough to provide for herself and her son[2]. The training and employment provided by KadAfrica has given her and her son hope, as well as many other families with similar stories.
|
Nisha is from the Howrah district of West Bengal, and upon her graduation, and even with her education she struggled to find a job--a situation not uncommon for many rural youth in India, especially women[3]. Worried about her future, she spent her days wondering how she would be able to earn a living where job opportunities are scarce and she lacked the skills to work a job requiring higher-level technology skills. Luckily, one of her friends suggested that she join Anudip Foundation's Empower training center in their district, where she learned basic information technology, workplace English, and workplace readiness. The supportive trainers helped Nisha gain back her self-confidence, and she expresses endless gratitude for the opportunities Anudip has provided for her. Today she works for Concentrix in Kolkata, enjoying job security and happiness[4].
|
"My goal is to buy a house with my own money and continue my education"
- FEMALE IMERIT EMPLOYEE IN METIABRUZ[5] |
In Western Ugandan villages, there is a pervasive stigma that farming is only for peasants, for subsistence, and for women as another household chore[8]. Challenging this mentality and introducing the idea of farming as a profitable business venture is still the biggest challenge for KadAfrica today[9]. Eric Kaduru places a high value on farmers in society, remarking, "everyone has to eat, so if you're the farmer providing the food, you will be supplying the people"[10].
Poor rural youth are also considered a burden on Indian society, and are assumed to become insurgents or beggars[13]. Anudip and iMerit are finding power in these rural youth, making them a positive force to be reckoned with, and transforming the perception of those thought to be unemployable. These jobs mean more than just a paycheck; they transform individual lives, benefit families, and spark systemic societal change[14].
|
Educated women who run their own agribusinesses are breaking the mold in an area where so many girls drop out of school and find themselves unemployed and unable to support themselves[7]. The women successfully completing the program are already leading the way in their communities and inspiring their peers.
India has made significant developmental strides and economic progress in recent years, but in terms of gender equality, the country is still deeply rooted in patriarchal norms that severely undervalue women[11]. Their society does not prioritize the needs of women, and this is reflected in the significant gender gap in urban unemployment. Anudip and iMerit provide an important opportunity that challenges strict gender roles in conservative communities, not only by cultivating the professional careers of these women, but also by allowing them to gain confidence and independence in their personal lives. Most of iMerit's female employees are the first generation in their families to hold a formal job--the start of an economic and social progression of empowerment that can potentially benefit generations of women and families down the line[12].
|