Networks & Partners
Non-Traditional Livelihoods Network (NTLN)
The NTLN advocates for increasing women’s workforce participation, especially in occupations/ trades which have been traditionally closed to them.
Azad co-created the Non-Traditional Livelihoods Network (NTLN) in collaboration with 34 members. NTLN advocates for greater participation of women in the workforce along with expanded skill-building opportunities and broader market access, especially in jobs that have historically been unavailable to them. Formed in 2016, the network is committed to challenging traditional gender roles that confine women to certain low-skilled and low-paying occupations. Its main goal is to break down the barriers that prevent women from accessing a wider range of job opportunities due to factors like gender, caste, and class, and to ensure that women have access and control over resources.
To address these challenges, NTLN members believe in providing training and development programmes for women, especially marginalized women, in profitable non-traditional skills such as driving, carpentry, plumbing, and more. By equipping women with valuable skills, the network aims to enhance their chances of securing meaningful employment and ultimately advocate for comprehensive changes both within households, workplaces, and the broader market environment to support gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
NTLN conducts research and policy analysis on women’s skills and employment, particularly focusing on involving women in non-traditional livelihoods (NTL). It also works with policymakers, corporations, and training institutions to promote the integration of NTL opportunities for women into mainstream practices.
Azad currently hosts the NTLN Secretariat.
Sakha Consulting Wings (Strategic Partner)
Sakha Consulting Wings empowers women to be independent by providing them with professional driving training and job opportunities in the transportation sector.
Sakha Consulting Wings is a social enterprise and Azad’s strategic partner with a unique and empowering story. It was established to address the need for safe and reliable transportation services while also creating employment opportunities for women in a male-dominated industry.
Sakha challenges traditional gender roles in professional markets and empowers women to enter non-traditional professions. The organization’s journey showcases a commitment to gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and innovation in creating positive social change.
Women with Wheels Partners
Samaan Society
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Samaan Society has focused its work on groups which are facing inequality or aren’t given equal leverage in society. Samaan has provided legal justice to the women afflicted with violence or injustice and makes them socially empowered by connecting them with the profession of driving. With the efforts of Samaan Society, many young women in the city of Indore are working as professional drivers and bike Mechanics and many women are getting trained in the organization.
Link to Affiliate WebsiteJanvikas
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Janvikas is a Public Charitable Trust, registered with the Office of The Charity Commissioner in December 1985. It became operational in 1987 and is recognized today as a leading ‘Organization Development and support Institute’. Its Driverben initiative promotes non-traditional livelihoods for young women from marginalized communities that break patriarchal boundaries by providing skill training for driving and empowers them to be economically independent to lead a dignified life.
Link to Affiliate WebsiteHumsafar
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Humsafar, a Support Centre for women, youth and queer in crisis was set up in Lucknow in November 2003 to ensure a holistic response to women’s gender and human rights violations and to work towards gender equality. HUMSAFAR works in a feminist perspective to prevent gender-based discrimination and violence by creating an enabling environment. It helps violence survivors make informed choices within a rights framework to access justice and rebuild their lives and reclaim their rights.
Link to Affiliate WebsiteCentre for Youth and Social Development
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
CYSD envisions an equitable society where women and men can freely realize their full potential, fulfill their rights and responsibilities and lead their life with dignity. It enables marginalized women, men and children to improve their quality of life. CYSD uses issue-based research to influence policies from a pro-poor and rights-based perspective. It also works to ensure transparent, gender sensitive, accountable and democratic governance by building the capacities of people and organizations in participatory planning.
Link to Affiliate WebsiteDonate to Azad Foundation
By contributing to Azad Foundation, you invest in a future where women are empowered to reach their full potential, and enable them to live with dignity and respect.
₹ 3,000
enables three women to improve their English language skills
₹ 60,000
enables a woman to complete her training course and break the cycle of poverty
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