Empowering women with livelihood skills and training
VIDYA equips women in underserved communities with the skills and confidence for employability
We equip women with livelihood skills, awareness programs, and practical training in communicative english and digital literacy to boost employability
Empowering a woman creates a ripple effect that transforms not just her life, but also her family, community, country, and the world. At VIDYA, we’ve been driving this change for over four decades. By focusing on women’s education and empowerment, we unlock potential that influences generations, fostering long-term social and economic development.
How it all started and where we are today
It all began in Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi, where we noticed children weren’t attending school regularly. Realizing the importance of educating their mothers, we started with stitching classes and taught them literacy and income-generating skills. As women shared the benefits with friends, the program grew organically. Today, VIDYA runs multiple livelihood training programs across its centers in the North, South, and West zones of India, impacting over 100 communities and continuing to expand.
Margam and Self Help Groups
VIDYA’s entrepreneurship initiative equips women to design, create, and sell handcrafted products from their homes. This initiative helps them supplement their income and gain financial independence.
At Margam, participants get exposure to new trends and styles and master essential business skills like accounting, procurement, delivery management, and pricing. On completing the program participants are encouraged to take the next step towards business ownership through Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Our alumni form groups, formally register themselves with the relevant government departments. SHG member women collaborate, fund, produce, sell, and attain the benefits of group projects and shared work orders. Monthly savings by the women add to their group kitty, which is then rotated among the women as loans. The group is also entitled to welfare schemes from the government.
Basic and Advanced Singer Certified Tailoring Training Course
The program includes Cutting, Tailoring, Crochet, Hand Embroidery, and Machine Embroidery. Trainees can make their career in fashion houses or work as freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Training in Beauty and Wellness
This 3 to 6 month program, certified by Shahnaz Hussain and Lakme covers various beauty techniques as well as relevant communication skills. VIDYA rounds out the offerings with short-term specialised programs on Hairstyling, Light Makeup, and Henna art.
The program equips women to start their beauty businesses or secure employment in the industry.
Aahar - Culinary Skills and Hotel Management
Enabling women to explore culinary careers, VIDYA offers structured training that prepares them to become chefs, caterers, or food entrepreneurs. The course follows a curriculum aligned with basic degree standards in Hotel Management, ensuring participants gain practical skills and industry knowledge. Additionally, the program includes training on managing cloud kitchens, equipping women with the tools to enter the growing online food delivery market. This combination of traditional and modern culinary training opens new pathways for women in the food industry.
Marketable Arts and Crafts
The Program introduces women to the art of craft-making: from bags (cloth and paper) and candle making to personalized handicrafts and soap crafting to nurture skills and foster self-sufficiency. Other short-term courses on offer are Saree finishing (Kuchu/ tassels), and Garden/ nursery for herbal plants.
Become a volunteer
Help make a difference in the lives of the less privileged.
Join the VIDYA family of like-minded people who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, youth and women from underserved communities.
Volunteering with VIDYA is more than just donating your time – it’s an opportunity to transform lives, inspire young minds, and contribute to a brighter future for India. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a long-term mentorship, your contribution will make a lasting impact.