Samaan Social Development Society

District

Indore

States

Madhya Pradesh

Samaan Society has initiated "YANTRIKA," India's first women mechanic garage, aiming to empower women with non-traditional livelihoods. Historically, bike mechanics have been male-dominated, but the Samaan Society challenges this norm with a garage run entirely by women mechanics in Indore, breaking gender stereotypes and addressing women's livelihood and employment challenges. Moreover, the programme has fostered women's entrepreneurship, with women mechanics forming the 'Samaan Yantriak Association' and managing the 'Yantrika Service Centre.' This initiative not only empowers women but also offers a more comfortable environment for women vehicle owners.

District

Indore

States

Madhya Pradesh

Samaan Society's groundbreaking programme empowers women by training them as bike mechanics, challenging gender norms and stereotypes in employment. This initiative, started in April 2018, provides specialized technical and empowerment training, with a focus on community mobilization. Through this programme, women become not just mechanics but empowered leaders, gaining control over their lives and contributing to gender equality and justice. Placement in various service centres and support for starting independent businesses are key components, resulting in 50 women securing employment as bike mechanics and others becoming self-employed. This transformation has not only empowered women socially but also improved their financial stability, shifting them from low-paying jobs to respected positions as "Mechanic Madam."

District

Indore

States

Madhya Pradesh

Samaan Society's "Women with Wheels" programme in Indore has revolutionized the role of women by training them as professional drivers. Starting in 2015 with 50 trainees, it has grown to encompass 400 women, with over 350 currently employed as drivers. These women, mostly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have transitioned from low-paying jobs to earning Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 per month as drivers, earning the title "Driver Madame." The programme covers community mobilization, learner's license acquisition, specialized training, and additional empowerment training. Remarkably, Indore became the first city in Madhya Pradesh where women drive buses, and many women have doubled or quadrupled their incomes, contributing to their children's education and nutrition. Some have even ventured into self-employment by operating e-rickshaws, earning 500 to 1000 rupees daily.

District

Indore

States

Madhya Pradesh

Samaan Society is committed to establishing a just and equitable society, with a specific focus on eradicating violence against women. It engages with communities on multiple fronts to provide access to justice for women facing violence. This includes training women leaders in different settlements through the Kanoon Sakhi programme, who support victims and even facilitate legal actions when necessary. Additionally, the Samaan Society runs a Legal Clinic, offering legal advice and assistance, particularly for women and children. It aims to empower marginalized communities, help victims access their rights, and connect them with Government legal aid schemes. Furthermore, the Lawyers Initiative for Women's Rights involves a panel of compassionate lawyers who provide free legal support to victims, reinforcing the pursuit of justice and empowerment.

District

Indore

States

Madhya Pradesh

Samaan Society operates on a community-centred approach, actively engaging with the local population of Indore City. It maintains constant communication and contact with the community, not just limited to its programmes but also extending support to address various community issues and enhance their problem-solving capabilities. This approach is vital to its goal of integrating women into non-traditional professions like driving and mechanics, particularly within socio-economically disadvantaged communities. The organisation conducts various activities in settlements, such as focused group discussions, film screenings, poster exhibitions, and door-to-door interactions, to sensitize and motivate women to explore non-traditional employment opportunities. Skill and employment camps serve as meetings for women from different settlements to discuss skill development and training, facilitating their registration for Samaan Society's programmes.