July 2021

July 15 2021

5 Skills for a Better Life

Udeshna Sarma Inspiration, Learning Limitless Stree, Motivation, skills for youth 0

According to UNICEF head Henrietta H Fore, by 2030, about 53% of students in INDIA will leave secondary school without being equipped enough with the necessary skills to get through the 21st century. As much as the Indian education system is at fault for an outdated curriculum and lack of proper training for the students in schools, we will be equally responsible if we do not make the appropriate use of the internet and digitalisation. As Albert Einstein quoted, ‘ Intellectual growth should commence at birth and only cease at death.‘, learning new skills for a better life has become more important than ever.

Skills like artificial intelligence, business development, marketing, etc., are beneficial in this techie world. However, explicit skills have been seldom discussed, especially in the young domain that came in handy from time to time. On that note, we present you with five highly underrated skills for a better life that you need to learn right away.

Stress Management

A survey conducted by Cigna TTK Health Insurance says that 89% of the Indian Population reportedly confessed that they are stressed regularly. It is a bit higher than the global rate, which stands at 86%. Not surprisingly, highly stressed individuals are between 18 – 25 years of age. While the factors contributing to stress are mostly the same, such as overwhelming responsibilities, facing significant changes, overthinking, unemployment, being under lots of pressure, etc., the lockdown has made it even tougher. So, how to deal with this stress regularly? A wise woman once said, “ I don’t care!” and she lived happily ever after. Though not caring about things is a tempting option, music, talking with others, Deep breathes, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and drugs are proven to work for mild to moderate stress. High-level stress needs long-term ailments where Meditation, Mindful Relaxation, Journaling, etc., do the cause. In extreme cases, it is better to seek professional help with counselling and therapy sessions. So, if you need a peaceful life, this is a particular skill to master.

Public Speaking

Have you ever wondered how some speakers are highly engaging while others barely keep you awake during their lectures? It is the art of public speaking that creates the distinction. Public speaking is not only about being able to speak confidently in front of hundreds but also being able to express yourself in the best way possible. Stage fright, Inferiority Complex, Fear of being judged, mediocre language skills, etc., sum up to the pyramid that inhibits you from putting your thoughts into words. This pyramid, at any cost, must be broke with a hammer called ‘Learning this skill’. Know that when you are heard better, you are understood better. It is just you who are limiting yourself from spreading your wings. The best way to master this skill is to practice. Talk to yourself in front of the mirror with you being both listener and the speaker. Record your videos of speaking and analyse your mistakes. Let your personality come through. Not a single captive speaker out there does not practice their way to the stage with an open mic. So, if you are an introvert and struggling to express yourself, here’s a skill to master.

Delegation

We, as humans, are obligated to have conflicting opinions regarding various things. That’s what makes us unique. However, often it is essential to reach a common ground between two opposing thought processes to make things work, be it a business deal or a relationship. Have you ever dealt with anyone with an entirely different POV and be able to convince them to get your work done? If yes, how many times of that is without an argument? That’s precisely the reason why you should add this latest skill to your list of things to master. This is a real-time classroom course. There is a lot of information on the internet about Delegation and Negotiation skills. So, if you want to win over people without emotions on the platter, do check this new skill out.

Organisational Skills

How many of you have seen resumes starting with the line ” A highly organised individual….. ” ?. These are pretty common. Everyone wishes to be organised, but most of us don’t know where or how to start. Remember, in school, how do we pack our bags with the books we need on that particular day according to the timetable? It is pretty much what we need to do now. Set up a daily routine, add tasks to your TO-DO list, rank them priority wise Check them out as you finish each task, and stay productive. As simple as that appears, you need to put in the effort to make things work as planned. There are adequate apps that can be of assistance in this region. Well, you can never go wrong with a pocket diary and a pen. Other than these, bullet journals, post-it notes, Refrigerator Magnet lists are some simple yet creative options to consider. So, what’s keeping you from showing off your organisational skills?

Money Management

Salary is like the refrigerator at your home. No matter how big it is, it is never enough. It is last but not the least, a skill that this blog shrines light upon. This skill particularly needs emphasis because it’s no secret that a degree cannot guarantee you a job or pay. The salary you receive at the end of the month is hard-earned for 30 days, and you don’t want to spend it all in a few days. So, to restrict yourself from paying a specific portion of your salary is a skill to master. Also, you have several ways to spend or invest it wisely, knowing which can be a valuable asset for your future planning. It is never too late to start saving and investing. And, it never hurts to have a few extra bucks in hand whenever you wish to treat yourself. So, try and get some appropriate knowledge on this life-saving skill and don’t be late to apply it.

In contrast to popular opinion, skills are not genetic or inherited. They are cultivated with practice and mastered with Persistence.

As Mark Zuckerberg says, “Done is better than perfect,” as long as you don’t stop doing them.

This World Youth Skills Day, let yourself adapt these new skills for a better life.

About The Author

Padmasahiti identifies herself like other Indian girls, trying new things and exploring life. She loves reading. Being an introvert, she lets her writings speak for herself. Being a Limitless Stree member, she could come out of her comfort zone and navigate her skills. Through this blog, she aims to inspire women to never give up and help and encourage each other.

Padmasahithi Kondeti

Limitless Stree Member

Become A Limitless Stree

July 14 2021

21st Century Skill for Resilient Youth

Udeshna Sarma Inspiration, Learning, Motivation 0

Youths have been called upon by thinkers to discharge their duties for ages. It is they, who become the torchbearer of changes that get incorporated in the way as civilisations evolve over time. A young woman with her sheer physical power, accompanied by mental sharpness possess the potential to become invincible in any direction she decides to forge ahead. But what makes her worthy enough? How does one know the correct direction which one should take?

Skilling- The Absolute Necessity

A youth in her budding age may have all the energy and the intellect but lack one of the most important ingredients: Experience. Due to less experience, she is unable to tap into her potential. She is like the clay which needs to be moulded with experienced hands through care and guidance. This is where skilling the youth comes into play. For example, Hima Das could not have been an internationally renowned sprinter had she not been given training facilities by Government. Many such stories of wasted potentials lie here and there across the country. India has the largest demographic dividend in the world. It means a large section of the Indian population belongs to the age group of 18-50 which can work and accelerate the economy. But without proper skilling of these teeming millions, the demographic dividend cannot be realised. Skilling the youth makes the inherent qualities get polished for productive usage of it.

Skilling- The Need for Recognition

In societies such as ours, there had been certain occupations carried out by specific communities and hence they are skilled enough on that. However, in the job sector skilling documentation is also demanded. For example, if a woman applies for the job of a music teacher, she won’t be hired unless there is a degree in music. It does not matter if she is a locally renowned vocalist. Hence, for such cases, not only skills but the recognition of skills by an authority is also required. Ministry of Skill Development has started the initiative of the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ certificate. This is a great step and awareness among the youth regarding it is necessary.

Skilling- What does the ticking clock bring?

Change is the only constant in nature. Nothing remains as it is for long. Does the knowledge of using typewriter garner the same utility it used to have in the 1970s? So, skilling the youth also needs to adapt to the changing times. Today’s 21st-century world is fast-paced, technology-driven and more globalised. For a youth to be resilient in such a world, her skillsets should also be according to the times she lives in.

Faster world

Today’s world has been driven by the revolution in Information and Communication Technology and as such the value of time has increased very much. The world has become fast and so the youth have to be fast as well. Gone are those days where the emphasis is laid on hard work. It is now being replaced by ‘smart work’, where she not only has to do the right things, but also has to do the right things fast. For example, a CEO in a corporate setting has to look at all aspects of her organisation and she has to deliver faster than her competitors so as to remain in the competition. This would entail skillsets much different than what they used to be before.

Transformed societies

In today’s world, much of the traditional societal roles are changing leading to a more gender-equal world. So, the time management between family and work-life has become important. Now, a woman is required to don the hat of a professional at work as well as that of a mother, wife or sister. Thus, it is equally important for her to be skilled in a way so that a healthy work-life balance is also maintained. For example, Indra Nooyi talked about her experience of handling her family as well as being the CEO of Pepsi Co, both being equally demanding in their own spheres.

Managing Health

The economy has become more profit-driven in the 21st-century world, as a result of which, work pressure and constant competition regarding the living standards have taken a huge toll on the mental and physical health of people. The cases of cardiac troubles, hypertension, depression etc have increased many times. For example, trends show that more woman in urban areas of India is prone to cardiac and menstrual problems due to excessive stress levels. Thus, the 21st-century youth also need to take care of themselves and ensure that the globalised world does not make them stray away from a healthy life ahead. Money and income become important but not at the cost of life itself. It is also a necessary skill to internalise because a healthy workforce is only the best workforce. Only when she is healthy, she is working to make own and other’s life better.

Newer paradigms

21st-century youth are at the centre of monumental changes in the way we live. The technological revolution has made our lives easier but has also changed fundamental paradigms of living. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has made ‘Work from Home’ a very familiar term. People find it easier and safe to work from home rather than to travel to the office. However, it has also affected the so-called homely environment accompanied by a loss of personal touch in the work environment. For example, working from home for a woman becomes difficult at times as her physical presence at home may push her into homely duties at

work hours, intentionally and unintentionally. It makes her unable to feel at home completely or unable to work efficiently either. Thus, it is also important for the youth to develop skillsets in such a way that such unexpected shifts are also properly taken care of without compromising much.

The world is changing and people have to adapt according to it. So, the resilient youth of the 21st century has to have the skills that help them live a complete life through wisdom to make the right choices at the right time. It is the need of the hour, else the youth will also stray away and eventually perish.

You can read more blogs by Limitless Stree Members here

About The Author

Mousumi is an enthusiastic person, who is always motivated to work for the upliftment of women and to create more awareness. She believes women empowerment is the only way to get women to come to realise their worth and potential. She wants to take steps to bridge the gender gap in India and to work towards womens’ economic and social empowerment.

Mousumi Bhattacharjee

Limitless Stree Member

Become A Limitless Stree

July 12 2021

A short tale of a young mind with her spectacles

Himani Mehra Inspiration, Learning, Motivation 0

Born in the Delhi winters, the cry baby was sent on earth.

She tried to make sense of all the things around her, so big trees, why can’t I enter into the TV? Why do I feel hungry all the time? And why do I need to go to school!

The whiny little girl was made to understand the world. Its processes, its realities, and why things have to be done in a certain way. She focused on school thinking it is important as education is important. Why daily uniform, discipline, and a pile of books in front of her. Is education hidden there? Where is it exactly?

She made sense of her books, A, B, C to क, ख, ग, all alphabets were taught. Making colorful projects and asking parents for a chart paper at 10 pm from the stationary was also a part of it. But, then came the new thing in town- Exams!

She told her mother, as I go up, grade by grade, my answers are becoming longer and sheets are filling up quickly, why do I have to remember them, when I can read it whenever I want to? Her mother replied this is done for an A+ on top of the sheet.

Ooohhh! Yes, she saw that A+ on a friend’s sheet and also saw her getting a star sticker from her teacher. Fancy stuff!

As she moved further, getting near to the A’s she also got one more thing, big spectacles!

Exams getting lengthier and her dreams getting bigger. She tried making her own perception of the world thinking this is what success looks like.

Education for a girl child, child marriage, and violence against children were some headlines she grew up seeing on TV. Mummy, why do girls have to go through this? Her mother did not answer, but she knew that this is a sad truth.

But, education is important for all children? Why this injustice?

This is what some children across the world go through. The right to education is not accessible to everyone, especially the girl child.

A short tale of a young mind with her spectacles

She was determined to make a change. She started to know her rights and made people aware of them too. She educated herself as she knew this is her weapon to end all discrimination against girls. She now realized the power of education. It is not the A’s on the sheet, it is within us, it pushes us to speak the truth, it makes us aware and it makes us powerful.

I do hope that we as a society seek equality on all grounds. We must look for a world that not only gives girls the equality they deserve but also appreciate and support their choices and dreams. A world where she is unafraid to be opinionated and not tolerate abuse of all forms. A world where she doesn’t think twice to do what she wants, a world where there are more women leaders inspiring young girls to work for their dreams, and finally a world where we are heading to, hopefully.

About The Author

“A creative powerhouse, full of new ideas and imagination.”

Pursuing Bachelors in Psychology(Hons.), Himani has great creative writing and speaking skills to express things beautifully and create an impact!

Himani Mehra

Limitless Stree Programme Coordinator

Reaching Sky Foundation

July 10 2021

Beyond The Barrier

Udeshna Sarma Inspiration, Learning, Motivation 1

When Education aids you take the leap;

Once there lived an 11-year-old girl in a small village in Rajasthan. She was bright and intelligent, always used to top her class. One day her parents decided to marry her off to a wealthy little boy in a dreamy town. She, without even understanding what marriage is, came to the new place. She struggled to adjust to the new life, got hurt many times and amidst all these hardships, somehow, she managed to find her true self and with the support of her new family, she emerged as a Limitless Stree. Doesn’t this script sound familiar?

This being the storyline of a famous television soap, the first part of this script is also the life story of numerous women in India. Many girls, especially in rural India, and in the developed parts of the country, are denied basic education. While gender is a reason for this, age-old traditions and conservative mindsets play their roles efficiently.

And the pandemic has only made it worse. The under-performing government primary educational institutions and the extravagant private schools have made it difficult for the poverty-stricken section of the Indian society to take the chance of sending their girl child to the entrance of education.

However, despite all these adversities, some women have fought their way to make their dreams come true, thereby standing up for gender equality. The courage that let them raise their voice for what is right, their righteousness for denying inequality, and their determination to pursue their dreams are what made them exceptionally inspirational. Here are their stories, telling us why educating the girl child is important.

Navli Kumari, Rajasthan:

She belongs to a well-developed district in Rajasthan. After her father’s tragic demise, while she was still in 12th class, she moved to her native village in rural Rajasthan. Having seen many girls dropping out from schools and some girls not being given access to even primary education, Navli wondered how her education could help these girls find a way. When a non-profitable NGO approached her to help them promote their services in her village, she knew this was her chance to step up for the cause. There isn’t a door she hasn’t knocked in her village asking them to sign up their girl children for education. Most of the time, the result wasn’t hopeful. Sometimes, she even had to encounter abuses of the older population for her work. But, that didn’t stop her from doing her job. Thanks to her patience and persistence, 46 girls from her village have been enrolled in school till date. She and the NGO team also managed to get established a school in her village. This is just the beginning of a new era of educated girls in a state with more than one-third of districts of the country with the highest gender-gap scenario. Isn’t she amazing?

Suparna Dey, West Bengal:

Hailing from West Bengal, Suparna is one of the recipients of Google Developer Scholarships and an amazing mother to a 4-year-old. She has always been bright in studies and now is an intellectual techie. Things haven’t always been this way. From where she came from, education for girls is not considered a basic amenity. Instead, people, regardless of their community, were often seen relinquishing their girl children from education. Even Suparna had to stand up to her family often to complete her graduation. With a supportive life partner, she started working towards her dreams. But when her son got sick, she had to stop working to take care of him. Later, when she was finally ready to take up a job, the technology got so fast forward for her to keep up. But this didn’t stop her from working. She worked her way to a Google Developer Scholarship, and now, she is taking up an intensive learning program. With her perseverance and dedication, she proved that married women and mothers are equally good in a career performance.

Shalini Arnugam, Bengaluru:

Despite being from Tamil medium and then transferred to Kannada medium, Shalini secured admission in an English medium Engineering college with high grades in 10th and 12th standards. She is also a recipient of the TiE-Aspire Young achiever Award for the year 2015. What makes her exceptionally commendable is, she was the sole bread-getter for her family of four when this happened. Her father was a painter who got bed-ridden over a decade ago, and her brother was diagnosed with Cancer just before her board exams. During the summer vacation, Shalini took up odd jobs so that her mother could take care of her brother in the hospital. After getting home from all her odd jobs, she used to sit at the entrance of her home and study with the help of the orange lit streetlamp. Despite the hardships, she managed to secure an Engineering admission at a famous University in Bengaluru. She is yet another perfect example of a girl studying her way to success.

There are many such inspiring stories in every region of the country. This pandemic has brought more light to the grim situation of Girl’s education. About 10 million girls on the verge to lose their chance at being educated.

Be it the courage of a 15-year-old girl fighting off the robber for trying to steal her mobile phone, as it was her lifeline for online classes, or be it the resilience of a Kerala girl who climbed up the rooftop for better connectivity during her online class, Girls, especially during the pandemic, have always fought their way for equal opportunity. It is now upon us to let them have what they deserve. Education is a basic human right, and no one shall have it otherwise. An educated girl child will help herself make the right choices for herself and the right decisions for society. Being the citizens of India, we have the responsibility to make the country progress and raise a voice for girl child’s education is one step towards it. So, PAUSE, THINK and TAKE ACTION.

Limitless Stree is collaborating with Save The Children in supporting to #AllyUpForHer campaign. We aim to raise awareness to PAUSE, THINK and TAKE ACTION to define the life of over 10 million girls in our country.

On 11 July, 11:11, we are urging every to take a minute to PAUSE, THINK AND TAKE ACTION. Join us in our mission together!

To become a Limitless Stree Member, Register Here.

About The Author

Padmasahithi Kondeti

Limitless Stree Member

July 10 2021

Pandemic and Girl Child Education

Udeshna Sarma Inspiration, Learning, Motivation 0

The shutdown of schools worldwide has impacted 290.5 million children and youth who would normally attend pre-primary to upper-secondary classes. Further, the localised school closures to prevent or contain COVID-19 is increasing this number.

According to UNESCO, out of the total population of students enrolled in education globally, approximately 89% of them are currently out of their schools because of lockdowns. It includes 1.54 billion students who are enrolled in schools, colleges, or universities, including approximately 743 million girls. Out of these, over 111 million girls are living in the world’s least developed countries, where education is already a struggle for them.

The situation of COVID-19 forces concerns regarding the drop-out rates that are rising disproportionately among adolescent girls. It will only worsen the gender gaps in education and leading to an increased risk of sexual exploitation, early or unintended pregnancy, and child or forced marriages.

Closing of schools – The lockdown has kept everyone in their houses. As the girls who are currently studying at their homes now, their families would now make them do more domestic chores than before. Previously, girls spent 6 to 8 hours at school solely for education. But now, as the situation has changed, it is most likely that they have to balance between housework and schoolwork simultaneously. It has resulted in negligence towards their education.
Financial Problems – Loss of household income can result in girls marrying young and generating revenue for the family. The consequences can compound with unplanned early pregnancy. It will be a great hindrance to the continuation of their education.
Deaths of the member in a family – Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sickness and mortality rate among parents or other household members is also interfering with girls’ education. The loss of a parent can reduce the income, so the need for children to work for pay during the crisis will increase; girls are sometimes the primary income earners in their families. Girls can become primary caregivers for sick members of their families or their younger siblings. These responsibilities can lead girls from dropping out of school or college.
Quarantine – Quarantine measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic are putting girls and women at heightened risk of violence in their homes. Economic stress on families during the pandemic can put children, particularly girls, at greater risk of exploitation, child labour, or gender-based violence. It will affect the girls emotionally and mentally. They will also lack in their academics as well.
Don’t have access to the internet or distance learning – Only 12% of families in the poorest countries have access to the internet in their houses. Access to mobile internet is lower than 26% for women and girls than for their males. Not only this, girls are the first ones to be pulled out of school and send to work or care for their younger siblings when their families face economic hardship. As a result, girls don’t have time for school work and may not return once schools reopen, and online classes require an internet connection and a mobile device. Low-income families cannot afford such facilities. All the children in a family can’t share one device for their classes from school. Thus, parents have to choose among their children. In a patriarchal society, it is evident that parents prefer the male child’s education over the girlchild. Therefore, girls are denied access to their classes. Internet connectivity is essential nowadays. In India, nearly more than half of the population has no access thigh-speeded internet internet

Solutions

Government can provide special financial allocations to the school.
Teachers should be trained to provide education in an online environment.
Special note of attendance must be taken to ensure continuity in education.
Counselling centres can be established to guide the parents and girls who are planning to drop out due to the different consequences of the pandemic.
The educated citizens in the villages can set up small groups to ensure the children in their neighborhood are getting an education.
ASHA workers can play a unique role here, taking note of any girl child denied education.
Giving the families economic support in crisis so that no girl in their family should drop out from school.
Providing girls with offline support like printed resources, USB keys, or radios.
Raising awareness regarding this issue on social media, TV, Podcasts, etc.
Televisions can broadcast educational lessons for children with a proper timetable.

Pause, Think and Take Action

Ever since 2008, Save the Children has initiated and introduced several campaigns for the betterment of children. Covering every aspect, these campaigns are focused on issues ranging from the implementation of child-friendly policies to rehabilitation efforts to creating general awareness about children’s circumstances.

Save the Children has launched 100 Days of Action (Launched on 1 June) across countries to ensure all children, especially girls, continue to learn.

About the 320 million children whose education is on PAUSE. This Pause can define the life of over 10 million girls in our country Save the Children is determined to #AllyUpForHer between (1st June- International Children’s Day and 8h September – International Literacy Day)

On 11 July, 11:11, we are urging every to take a minute to PAUSE, THINK AND TAKE ACTION

Girls in India have been facing discrimination for the past centuries. Till today as well there are parts in the Indian Society where a girl child is still thought of and treated as a burden. Generally, girls are given very few opportunities than boys. They also have limited access to resources. So, we should pause for a moment of our daily work and think about this situation and try to take action that we can take.

As we all know that this pandemic is unexpected, it is high time that we find solutions to these problems. A girl shouldn’t be denied her education just because they don’t have access to online classes. Finding solutions for these problems lies on governments and local authorities as well. Their duty should be there to ensure that no child is being left behind.

On 11 July, 11:11, we are urging every to take a minute to PAUSE, THINK AND TAKE ACTION. Join us in our mission together!

To become a Limitless Stree Member, Register Here.

About The Author

Mitali is a youth enthusiastic women pursuing her BBA-LLB from Mody University. She is an advocate for women’s education and women empowerment. She has been a part of many campaigns to raise awareness in the society regarding the issues around women and working towards achieving the goals of SDG 5.

Mitali Rakhecha

Communication Coordinator

Reaching Sky Foundation

July 2021

5 Skills for a Better Life

Stress Management

Public Speaking

Delegation

Organisational Skills

Money Management

As Mark Zuckerberg says, “Done is better than perfect,” as long as you don’t stop doing them.

About The Author

21st Century Skill for Resilient Youth

Skilling- The Absolute Necessity

Skilling- The Need for Recognition

Skilling- What does the ticking clock bring?

About The Author

A short tale of a young mind with her spectacles

About The Author

Beyond The Barrier

When Education aids you take the leap;

Navli Kumari, Rajasthan:

Suparna Dey, West Bengal:

Shalini Arnugam, Bengaluru:

About The Author

Pandemic and Girl Child Education

Pause, Think and Take Action

About The Author

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