United Way of Baroda Celebrates IWD celebration with the Single Mothers affected in COVID-19 Pandemic

BreaktheBias lets strive to create a world around us where equity and inclusion becomes the way we work.

Vadodara: International Women’s Day has been celebrated every year on 8th March to spread the message about the achievement and contribution put for by the women in terms of social, economically, cultural and political. Also to promote the significance of removing the gender gap and increase the gender equality.

United Way of Baroda celebrated International Women’s Day with the Single Mothers who lost their husband during COVID-19 pandemic leaving behind their loved ones in grieve with #BreaktheBias.

On International Women’s Day Celebration, Single Mothers who successfully completed vocational courses under UWB’s Mission Skill Development Program were provided with systems of livelihood to take care of their family:

• Graduate Mothers were trained with certified professional course on GST and Tally and Ungraduated were provided with professional Sewing & Stitching course and Beautician Course by United Way of Baroda and on completion.

• Advanced Computer Systems, Sewing Machines and Customised Beauty Parlour kits along with Certificate to mark their performance and profession were provided to the mothers.

• 100 Needy Mothers were provided with Family Ration kits of 35 kgs each having grains, pulses, spices, condiments and snacks. They were also supported with six-month utility bills (light bill, Gas bill, Rent) which is covering one of their major family expenses.

• 354 students (kids of Single Parent) affected due to covid have already been supported with complete school fees and customized education kits.

In September 2021 United Way of Baroda launched Mission Skill Development Program for the Single Mothers to provide a platform of livelihood opportunities for the Mothers to become self-reliant and a financial supporter for their affected families through three vocational courses Tally & GST, Sewing & Stitching Techniques and Beautician course for fixed duration.

During this event, a wave of gratitude was felt among the Mothers. These Mothers were feeling confident enough after enhancing their skills through Mission Skill Development Program.

Guest of Honour- Mrs. Pritty Patel-Trustee, UWB said that, “Taking heed of the second wave scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Baroda decided to support the children (with single Parent) as they are the most affected age-group individual and launched Mission Shiksha Program. More than 350 children school fees along with educational kit was provided to continued schools in the same school. We also observed that around 93% of the mothers turned out to be single parent and were searching for livelihood opportunities and hence to support such Mothers and launched Mission Skill Development Program.” Trustee and Treasurer of UWB Mr. Minesh Patel appreciated the program and thanked the entire team for identifying the needy mothers.

“Taking into consideration to stand for breaking the bias and strengthen and build confidence of our beneficiaries, we decided to celebrate the International Women’s Day with the single Mothers affected in covid. We believe that enhancing the access of opportunities of livelihood of Single mothers will break the bias within to break the external bias. The program supports the change within. Am thankful to all the Trustees of UWB for contributing whole heartedly towards these programs to improvise the standard of living of the affected families due to COVID-19 menace.” Said Dr. Binita Verdia- Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Baroda.

Verbatim from Single Mothers:

“I would like to convey my deepest thanks to United Way of Baroda for supporting me to become strong breadwinner for my family post death of my husband who was the victim of this deadly virus. I got motivated to enrol myself in Tally & GST Course through UWB’s Mission Skill Development Program. I successfully completed the course and received computer system to practice.

Fortunately, I got placed in Corporate company for the post of Computer Operator with a salary of INR 7700 monthly. I am running short of words to be grateful towards United Way of Baroda for being a beacon of light for me and my family. I am now a strong financial supporter for my family. –Kamini Patil, Tally & GST

“United Way of Baroda brought a ray of hope for me and my family through Mission Skill Development Program. I enrolled myself in Sewing & Stitching Techniques course. This course has improvised my skills in sewing and stitching which has further made me confident enough to get maximum WORK ORDERS. My heartfelt gratitude towards United Way of Baroda for extending their helping hand for providing this sewing machine to make me self-reliant and a strong stem for my family.” – Fatema Canwala, Sewing & Stitching Techniques.

“I am fortunate enough to be a part of UWB’s Mission Skill Development Program for enrolling myself in Beautician course and got trained under professional. I got placed in Salon with a monthly salary of INR 12000 as I am professionally trained beautician. This program is a platform of livelihood for me and many other Mothers like me who could enhance their skills and become confident enough. I am my highly grateful towards United Way of Baroda for this initiate to support Mothers like us and make us become strong stem for our affected families. I am thankful again to United Way of Baroda for providing me with this customised beautician kits to continue my services in addition with the ongoing job.” – Usha Rajput, Beautician course.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude towards United Way of Baroda for supporting my children’s school education and also providing them with Complete Education kit as per their current grade level. Many thanks again to United Way of Baroda for extending the support for covering six-month utility bills for my family. This organization has been a backbone for my affected family.” – Meera Chaurasia, Mission Shiksha Mother