Charting New Paths: How Marginalized Women are Being Skilled for the Future by Nasscom Foundation and IG Group
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, of Nasscom Foundation, and Anand Kadur, MD & Head of IG India.
- Please elaborate the skill development initiative by nasscom foundation in collaboration with IG Group?
The skill development initiative by nasscom foundation in collaboration with IG Group is a concerted endeavor aimed at empowering marginalized youth, with a special focus on women and persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Bangalore, through the acquisition of advanced IT skills for employment opportunities. The initiative encompasses a multifaceted approach, concentrating on digital and financial literacy to equip individuals with essential skills for navigating the digital economy.
Additionally, it emphasizes communication and soft skills development to enhance confidence and employability through effective interpersonal abilities. Furthermore, technical training is provided, encompassing BPO training and digital accessibility training tailored for specific job opportunities. This holistic strategy is designed to bridge the existing skill gap and cultivate a future-ready workforce within underprivileged communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and PwDs. The initiative aligns with a broader narrative on social innovation, addressing the imperative need for inclusive skill development and creating meaningful pathways to employment for marginalized individuals.
2. What is the aim behind this initiative?
What drive such initiatives is the recognition of the need to enhance women’s participation in STEM fields, as highlighted by reports like the Wheebox India Skill Report 2023. Globally, women make up only 28 percent of the workforce in STEM fields. To unlock India’s full talent potential, a crucial step is to train and skill more women in technology.
The primary goal behind the initiative is to bridge the gap between workforce capabilities and the dynamic demands of the corporate sector. By providing comprehensive training encompassing digital and financial literacy, communication, soft skills, and technical expertise in BPO and digital accessibility, the program aims to create a future-ready workforce. The anticipated impact extends beyond mere skill development, striving to empower disadvantaged women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to actively participate in the digital economy, thereby fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Such initiatives align with IG Group’s commitment to community development and their vision to invest in similar skill-building programs, propelling societal transformation and advocating for increased gender diversity and leadership roles for women in the tech industry.
- What are the preliminary findings from the impact of this initiative?
This collaboration with IG Group has yielded significant positive outcomes for participants that align with the project’s goal of fostering economic empowerment for marginalized beneficiaries. With over 700 aspiring candidates enrolled, 350 beneficiaries were successfully trained and certified in foundational courses, and 200 individuals equipped with domain-specific and soft skills, the program has made substantial strides. Moreover, more than 100 beneficiaries have secured jobs, contributing to their sustainable livelihoods. Notably, collaborations with colleges like MLACW Women’s College, HKBK College of Commerce and Science, Surana College Bangalore, Govt College Pennya, and Govt First Grade Women’s College Yelahanka have played a pivotal role in student enrolment and training initiatives.
Overall, the project’s elaborate objectives encompass not only skilling and employability but also social inclusivity, economic independence, and industry-specific relevance. By addressing these dimensions comprehensively, the initiative aspires to be a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of underprivileged women in Karnataka.
- How does this initiative address the growing skill gap between the workforce and the requirements of the corporate sector?
This initiative plays a crucial role in addressing the widening skill gap between the current workforce and the dynamic needs of the corporate sector. It achieves this through a multifaceted strategy that prioritizes industry relevance, collaboration with key players, and a holistic approach to skill development. The program strategically offers targeted training in high-demand areas such as BPO and digital accessibility, aligning with specific corporate needs. Partnering with industry leaders like IG Group ensures that the curriculum remains current and provides potential job opportunities for participants within the industry.
Moreover, the initiative goes beyond technical proficiency, emphasizing the cultivation of essential soft skills, including communication and interpersonal abilities crucial for success in contemporary workplaces. By equipping participants with skills actively sought by the corporate sector, the initiative significantly enhances their chances of securing desirable jobs. As an additional benefit, selected participants had the opportunity to visit the IG Group corporate office to gain insights into corporate culture. The program’s conclusion saw top-performing girls receiving laptops to further enrich their learning experience and support their continued development.
- Can you elaborate on IG Group’s future strategies or plans for youth skill development initiatives?
IG Group is steadfast in its commitment to youth skill development, outlining comprehensive future strategies to create lasting impact. One key aspect of their approach involves fostering long-term partnerships, exemplified by initiatives like the collaboration with nasscom foundation. By contributing in sustained efforts, IG Group aims to deepen its focus in creating a more positive and enduring impact on skill development. IG Group envisions taking skill development programs to other communities where they operate, extending the benefits of their initiatives to a broader spectrum.
Recognizing the evolving landscape, IG Group is poised to adapt training programs to include emerging technologies such as AI and Blockchain. This forward-looking strategy ensures that the youth are equipped with the skills necessary for future jobs in these dynamic fields. The overarching belief at IG Group is that investing in youth skills is not only pivotal for business success but also an essential driver of societal progress. Moving forward, IG Group remains dedicated to upholding this commitment and continuing their impactful initiatives in the realm of youth skill development.
