Unnati

At Unnati, we were thrilled today to host an exposure visit for third-year college students affiliated with Katalyst India a leading NGO empowering women to enter STEM careers. This visit offered students a unique opportunity to experience a construction site led by the Lodha all-women construction management team at Lodha Upper Thane—a trailblazing initiative where women excel in civil engineering, billing, design, and more. The students gained firsthand insights into the real-world applications of theoretical knowledge, explored career opportunities in construction, and broke stereotypes about women in this field. They left feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with the confidence to challenge norms in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Together, Unnati and Katalyst India are paving the way for a more inclusive workforce, empowering women to explore, excel, and lead in fields like construction and STEM. Thanks to all the colleagues that made this visit possible and a success including Tejal Ranadive Heena Pasi Yogesh Dahiya Upasana Saha Shrikanth Kamblii Arnavi Dalvi vandana Mehra & the entire all-women’s construction management team

Centre for Social and Behaviour Change’s latest article validates Unnati’s approach which has an emphasis on soft skills. At Unnati, we integrate soft skills through multiple interventions: mentorship, an employability-soft skills-focused masterclass, and an English language program to support women enter and sustain in the work force.

Yesterday Team Unnati’s Priti Tackle met Jane Goodall from The Jane Goodall Institute. Why is Jane Goodall an Unnati Champion and a legendary #womensempowerment #icon? 1. Breaking Barriers in Science Jane was a pioneering female scientist that challenged norms and revolutionized scientific methods combining compassion and rigor. 2. Advocacy for Women in Conservation Through her global initiatives, such as the Jane Goodall Institute, she uplifted women in developing countries by providing education, resources, and leadership opportunities in conservation. Her programs encourage women to take active roles in environmental and community leadership. 3. Inspiring Future Generations Jane’s programs, such as Roots & Shoots, engages young people, particularly girls, to take action in their communities, fostering leadership, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. 4. Advocacy for Gender Equality Goodall uses her platform to speak about the importance of women’s rights and gender equality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of empowering women and addressing global challenges like poverty, education, and climate change. 5. Personal Resilience Her journey is a testament to perseverance, from working as a secretary to becoming a world-renowned primatologist and humanitarian. Her life story inspires women to dream beyond societal limitations and embrace their unique contributions. Jane Goodall’s legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements to her advocacy for environmental justice, education, and gender equality, making her a beacon of #empowerment for #women and #everyone worldwide. Thanks to the British Council in India for inviting Team Unnati to meet this incredible women’s empowerment icon and gender equality advocate.

Team Unnati raised awareness today to support women seeking to enter the workforce with information about Unnati’s FREE job readiness and placement services offered. Did you know? Indian women are 33% less likely to routinely use mobile devices than men - so for outreach and awareness about free workforce upskilling and placement services, we have found in-person efforts directly connecting with women to be crucial.

Exciting funding opportunity for organizations working to close the digital divide in India and enable more women to access the digital economy! With grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund - a new initiative - aims to accelerate digital inclusion for women across India by addressing critical barriers preventing women’s use of the internet including access and affordability, relevant products and tools, literacy and digital skills, and safety and security . Applicant non-profits or small and medium social enterprises may apply for USD $100-500,000+ for 15-18 month programmes. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Reliance Foundation USAID India

Check out Unnati’s latest thought piece on how public-private-partnerships - long viewed as good for businesses - are essential to supporting women in the workforce in India. The article features the latest evidence and collaborations from The/Nudge Institute WomenLead India Alliance IFC - International Finance Corporation & The Udaiti Foundation

💡Interesting data point highlighted by The/Nudge Institute - 209 million Indian women are confined to their homes - which is a number equivalent to the 8th most populous country in the world. We at Unnati believe mobility and hyperlocal (close to home) skilling-to-placement opportunities are part of the solution - Along with ensuring #safetyforall and enabling women to have #equitableaccess to education, information, technology and choices. #workthatworksforwomen #hyperlocalsolutions #safety

Just published! An Unnati Team thought article on Indian families’ potential as push factors for women in the workforce. Read more here! https://lnkd.in/dn8SnRUa

Today was a historic day for the Lodha Philanthropy Foundation, where Lodha CEO and MD Abhishek Lodha and his family committed 1/5 of Lodha Group’s stake - roughly $2.5 billion dollars - to philanthropic causes for women, children, the environment and Indian culture. To share in this announcement, students and women already supported by the Foundation’s flagship programs shared their stories, in their words. Team Unnati was grateful to Pratima who shared her transformative journey back into the workforce through participating in Lodha Unnati’s free job readiness services for women: career counseling, mentorship from Lodha Associate Anshika Srivastava, employability workshops and job placement support. She has now been working for almost a year post-job placement support from Unnati - and has realized her financial independence while regaining confidence in herself to dream big, do big. Lodha Associates Anshika Srivastava and Ganesh Jagtap are two of the many Lodha Associate volunteers who have contributed to mentoring and upskilling women. It takes all of us to make real results a reality for real women seeking to enter and sustain in the workforce - if you are interested in volunteering with Unnati, please reach to us at unnati@lodhagroup.com. For as little as two hours a month, you can change a woman’s life. Read more about Abhishek Lodha and family’s philanthropic vision here! https://lnkd.in/dWRYeaFQ

EvenCargo and its Founder Yogesh Kumar have been pioneers in the women in logistics space in India. Check out the latest episode of In Pursuit Of... which shares inspirational stories of women breaking barriers in logistics and how Even Cargo has been making changes in the sector, one woman at a time.