Project Garima: Financial Empowerment & Skilling of Special Population groups

Project Background: 

In many cultures in India, diverse population groups such as transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS are often most vulnerable and at disadvantage. Transgender persons are welcome at auspicious events, however, they are otherwise severely ostracized and marginalized. Whereas differently abled persons and PLHIVs are often excluded from social and professional participation. 

Current need: 

Lack of skills training opportunities for transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS  is a major concern. Further, social prejudices and financial constraints make it difficult for them to access vocational training facilities. 

Rate of literacy among  transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS is way below than the national gender average. Many lack appropriate professional skills to earn a living . There is an increasing risk of loss of employment as well due to stigma and prejudices.

Transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS are forced to work on a daily wage-basis for subsistence. They never get the opportunity to explore other opportunities beyond the existing one due to lack of appropriate education and support.

Transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS live in critical economic conditions because of poverty and unsustainable work. Unemployment is one of the major problems among the communities, due to lack of right skills.

The aim of the program is skill development leading to employability and translating into sustainable livelihood options for transgender persons, differently abled persons and people living with HIV AIDS.  

The programme would bridge this gap through direct promotion and training for vocational skills, career development and will reach the economically weaker section of communities with appropriate mobilization and capacity building.

Garima, as the name suggests, aims to provide a dignified and respectable living for the transgender persons and differently abled persons, people living with HIV AIDS. The project will enhance employability and support financial independence through skill building among the cohorts. Garima will address United Way India’s long term goal of promoting Diversity, Inclusion and Equity that leads the way for building equitable communities in India.

The project aims to provide skill development training to 100 people from the transgender community.