Breaking Barriers: Udayan Care's 30-Year Journey for Gender Equality

 

Udayan Care proudly celebrates 30 years of unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, women empowerment, and inclusivity, echoing the spirit of International Women's Day's theme: "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress."

Our journey aligns with the aspirations of UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, advocating for the empowerment of all women, girls, and youth. Reflecting on our progress, we highlight the crucial role we play in addressing the global fight for gender equality, underscored by both international and national statistics.

Globally, the path towards gender equality remains challenging. The 2023 Sustainable Development Report ranks India at a concerning 134th position on SDG 5, with a score of 46.25, highlighting the persistent gender gap. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2020) reveals a narrowing, yet concerning, literacy gap, with women lagging behind men by 13 percentage points. This disparity extends to the workforce, where women's unemployment rates significantly exceed men's despite comparable education levels.

Since its inception in 1994, Udayan Care has directly impacted over 45,000 lives across 15 Indian states, championing the cause of vulnerable children, women, and youth. Our initiatives, standing tall against daunting statistics, serve as beacons of hope and progress. Recognising the significance of child protection, education, and economic empowerment in bridging the gender gap in India's literacy and employment sectors, our programs directly address these crucial areas.

According to 2021 NSO data, 19% of girls in India never receive formal education, and only 8.3% of females above 15 complete their schooling. Udayan Care's educational programs directly target this disparity. We also confront the alarming prevalence of child marriage, with India estimated to have over 24 million child brides, accounting for 40% of the world's total (NFHS-5 survey 2019-21). As per the International Centre for Research on Women, India has the 14th highest child marriage rate globally. Through our family strengthening and family-based care approaches and educational empowerment, we strive to reverse these trends, enhancing girls' economic prospects and contributing to national growth.

A staggering 50.9% employability gap exists in India, with only 19.2% women in the workforce compared to 70.1% men (ILO, 2023). This is echoed by the World Economic Forum's 2023 Global Gender Gap report, ranking India 127th out of 146 countries. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the gender pay gap in India stands at 27% as of 2023. This means that, on average, women in India earn 73% of what men earn for doing the same job. The gap is even wider in certain industries, such as the technology sector, where women earn just 60% of what men earn.  Addressing this gap is core to Udayan Care's mission.

In our efforts to offer alternative care solutions, our organisation operates 14 group homes and 5 Aftercare facilities, where 80% of the residents are girls and women. Through these facilities, we prioritise their access to higher education, skills training, and economic empowerment opportunities. Similarly, within the communities we serve, our focus on preventing child separation and facilitating the reintegration of children into families centers around girls, constituting 80% of our efforts.

Our Udayan Shalini Fellowships have empowered over 15,000 girls, with 40% in STEM fields. Through education, life skills, and mentoring, these young women achieve higher education, contribute meaningfully to society, and over 60% pursue postgraduate studies, demonstrating the lasting impact of education. With almost 80% in jobs or entrepreneurial ventures, they are rewriting economic empowerment for women statistics.

Udayan Care's meticulously designed skill development programs equip women and girls with vocational and digital training, aiming for a 70% job placement rate and fostering economic self-reliance. Notably, with over 75% of participants being women in these courses, we are making a significant impact on their economic empowerment, which is a truly encouraging trend.

Our Advocacy, Research, and Training department amplifies our impact by influencing global policies and practices promoting child and youth protection through the gender equality and inclusivity lens.

Beyond internal efforts, Udayan Care actively contributes to a broader change. With 64% female employees and 57% female board members, we champion gender equality internally, fostering an inclusive environment with equal pay, flexible work arrangements, training programs, and regular POSH and PSEA sensitisation workshops.

The Road Ahead: A Brighter Future for All

As we celebrate 30 years of unwavering dedication, our commitment to investing in women and accelerating progress toward gender equality remains stronger than ever. The recent passage of the Women's Reservation Bill 2023 and Claudia Goldin's Nobel Prize win for her work on women's workforce participation offer hopeful signs of a shifting landscape.

While achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 may seem daunting, it is not insurmountable. Collaborative efforts strengthened accountability, and a collective will – encompassing political leadership, individual actions, and public-private partnerships – can pave the way for transformative change.

Udayan Care, with its diverse and inclusive workforce, embodies the change we envision for the world. Our ongoing advocacy, research, and training initiatives continue to amplify our impact, striving for a future where leadership transcends gender barriers.

Our journey is far from over. While challenges remain, so do immense opportunities. Through collective action and unwavering resolve, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society. Join us as we celebrate 30 years of making a difference, and look forward to a future filled with hope, equality, and empowerment for all.

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By

Dr Kiran Modi

Dr Garima Singh