By Written by Naresh Kumar and Esha Arora, Breakthrough
Trained on the assembly line of a famous two-wheeler company in Dharuhera, Breakthrough's young Team Change leader Khushi, broke the gender norms associated with this demanding role, which society traditionally considered inappropriate for women and girls.
Khushi has been with Breakthrough’s flagship program, Taaron Ki Toli, from the very beginning in Gurugram district. Khushi, from Bhorakalan village in the Patuadi block, took part in our adolescent empowerment program in grade 9 in 2019. She completed the journey with Taaron Ki Toli (TKT – Breakthrough's youth program) and graduated from school.
After the COVID-19 outbreak, her father's employer relocated to a different state, leaving her family with financial difficulties. Khushi decided to work in a warehouse in Tavru to help and support her family.She became involved with Breakthrough's community efforts and enrolled for the Team Change Leader (TCL) program in 2023, participating in 2-3 training sessions and actively engaging in the community. In July 2023, during a residential training and theatre workshop, Khushi learned about gender stereotypes and their impact on girls' lives. She also explored the division of labour between genders, as outlined in the Taaron Ki Toli chapter, “Kiska Kaam Kiska Naam.”
Ritambhara, Deputy Director of Program, Breakthrough says “Building self-efficacy in girls is crucial in a culture that often tells them they are worthless or that dreaming of a different future is futile. Breakthrough’s work inspires girls like Khushi to believe in their potential and overcome societal barriers. Our programs enable them to challenge gender stereotypes and confidently pursue their goals. When girls have the ability to dream and believe in themselves, they are set on a path of limitless possibilities”
Khushi's desire to carve her own path in life was strengthened by her association with Breakthrough. In August 2024, with the assistance of a friend, she joined Hero Moto Corp. as a trainee. Her day starts at 5:00 a.m., and she attends classes for a one-year diploma in electrical courses offered by the company. Despite facing skepticism from male coworkers initially, Khushi remained determined, drawing on the belief instilled in her by Breakthrough that anyone can achieve anything. Now working on the assembly line, where most workers are male, Khushi has proven her capabilities and contributes to production. Although she encountered misogynistic behaviors and felt unsafe initially, Breakthrough's teachings empowered her to persevere and establish boundaries at work. She now feels confident in her role and is regarded as a skilled worker.
Khushi lives with her parents and younger brother. Her employment has had a favourable impact on her family's attitudes on girls' education and employment opportunities. Despite facing challenges, Khushi remains determined to pursue her dreams, with aspirations to become a lawyer in the future.While proud of her current accomplishments, Khushi aspires to become a lawyer in the future. Her association with Breakthrough has fuelled her desire to give back to the community and empower others girls. Recently, she participated in a significant event on International Women's Day in her village, where fellow Team Change Leaders performed street theatre.
“If I was not part of Breakthrough, I could not get the chance to work at the company because society always forced you to believe that girls cannot do this job. I want to be part of
Breakthrough in the future as well, so that I will inspire other girls to do all types of jobs that society expects men to do.”
This is how Khushi has broken traditional gender norms and expectations by pursuing a career in a male-dominated field, being financially independent, and actively working towards her personal and professional goals. Her actions have not only impacted her own life but have also influenced her family's attitudes towards girls' education and employment opportunities. By defying stereotypes and empowering herself through education and training, Khushi is setting an example for future generations of girls to follow their dreams and achieve success.
