VIDYA believes that in order for real transformation to happen, the change has to happen from within—from within the community,from within the home. The home is represented by the woman,the mother, who, if empowered can influence an entire generation. The aim of VIDYA’s women’s empowerment programs is to establish an infrastructure whereby focus is provided on the development of the women and the young girl through educational, health, awareness and vocational training programmes; thus providing income generation opportunities. The objective being to nurture the less privileged women’s latent talent and tohelp channel it to gain economic independence; in doing so to build their identities and acquirerecognition from their families and society. VIDYA brings the education and empowerment to women through programs in the following locations: