Something radical is happening in Inaj village in Veraval, Gir Somnath District. 15 young girls have become the primary breadwinners of their families, having trained in Electronics at SEDI - securing lucrative jobs as Assembly Operators and transforming ingrained perceptions about what women can do. 

And it is all because of Kiran Ram, who withstood family and community pressure to pursue a dream. The daughter of a rickshaw driver who earned just Rs. 6000 per month, Kiran saw her father struggle day in and day out to make ends meet and feed his 7 member family. As the eldest sibling, Kiran was steeled in her determination to contribute. 

But on completing her 12th Standard at school, she could see no viable career path for herself in the small community she grew up in. So she picked up a job as a daily labourer to help keep food on the table. 

One day there was a knock on the household door, and there stood a SEDI mobiliser who shared information about skill training and the District Mineral Foundation support provided for youth from mining villages.

With course and accommodation support, Kiran eagerly took admission in the electronics trade. But was a girl really capable to work in this trade? This was the primary question in the minds of her family and community. But with a burning passion inside her, she quickly convinced her father and put all community comments aside from her mind. 

Kiran underwent the 4 month training programme participating in every activity of SEDI, and emerging as a powerful and confident young woman. She kickstarted her career at Elite Electronics as a PCB Assembly Operator with a monthly salary of Rs. 9500 and free accommodation. With good work etiquettes and technical skills she was given a promotion in a very short time as a Supervisor with a salary of Rs. 14,000 per month. 

But it was not long before an opportunity presented itself with Jay Bharat Motors, which provides parts for cars. The entire production line is harnessed by robots with Kiran playing an integral role in helping maintain the robots - earning Rs. 16,000 per month as a result.

Now that’s who we call a Torchbearer!

Impact

• 114 Girls trained in Electronics in 2020-21
• Average Salary is Rs. 9122
• 3317 Girls trained at SEDI in 2020-21
• 40% of women trainees in SEDI
• 977 (20%) in male dominated areas