Twenty-four-year-old Vineeta from Uttar Pradesh has been battling odds all her life. Perhaps that’s why she is the odd one out in her village—the only female electrician running an electrical repair shop attached to her house.

Vineeta studied up to Grade 10 but had to discontinue her education due to financial constraints at home. She was married at 17 and now lives with her husband, in-laws, and two children. Her husband works as a mason, while her six-year-old son attends UKG, and her three-year-old daughter goes to an Anganwadi center.

Women like Vineeta in rural India are often unaware of the opportunities available to them. To support her family, she tried her hand at stitching and small tailoring work, but the income was irregular and insufficient. When Pratham’s team informed her about an electrical course being offered at a nearby Community Camp, a door that she never knew existed suddenly opened for her.

These camps bring vocational training closer to home, ensuring that those who cannot migrate for training still have access to quality skill development opportunities. Operating across various regions in India, the camps provide remote communities with crucial access to short-term skill development programs. Participants can earn certifications that assess their skills and connect them with local employers.

When Vineeta expressed her desire to enroll in the course, she faced immediate resistance at home. Her husband, sister, and brother-in-law were strongly opposed, reminding her that her duty was to care for her children. Yet, seeing her unwavering determination, her husband decided to accompany her to the training centre on the first day.

Vineeta was impressed by the trainer’s teaching style and encouraged to see other women attending the course. That gave her confidence—if they could do it, why couldn’t she? In 2024, she began attending classes regularly.

Her neighbours questioned her decision, saying, “This is a man’s job. What will you do with this training? It’s of no use to you.” Despite the criticism, Vineeta persevered.

“I had stopped eating because of all the negative comments. But I was determined to show up for class every day,” she said.

Ten days into her course, a neighbour who had mocked her decision faced a problem when her cooler stopped working one night. Vineeta repaired it. Witnessing her skill, the woman’s opinion changed, and soon word spread through the neighbourhood about Vineeta’s skill.

Vineeta successfully completed the two-month course and began repairing electrical appliances at home. Gradually, neighbours started approaching her for repairs—fans, irons, heaters, and other household items. Her income became steady, and even her husband began referring work to her. Eventually, she opened her own small electrical repair shop. Young girls in her community have approached her for guidance and training.

Today, Vineeta is the go-to electrician in her village. She recently completed the Diwali lighting work for a government building in her district. She is also pursuing higher education.

Reflecting on her journey, Vineeta says, “If we believe in ourselves, we can do anything. I used to be afraid of electrical work, but now I work with confidence. The same people who once said this was a man’s job now appreciate my work and come to me for repairs.”