Women’s empowerment in India remains one of the country’s greatest social challenges, especially in regions where gender inequality, poverty, and a lack of access to education limit the future of millions of women and girls. In states like Rajasthan, many girls leave school at an early age, face child marriage, or grow up without real opportunities for economic independence.
Yet education is transforming lives. Learning to read, write, speak English, or gain professional skills can become the first step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and building a different future.
In Jaipur, various social initiatives are working to give women and girls access to tools that help them grow, find work, and strengthen their self-esteem. Through educational projects, workshops, and international volunteering, more and more women are discovering that they really can build a path of their own.
The situation of women in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of India’s most traditional states, and although there has been important progress in recent years, many women still face major social and economic barriers.
In rural areas and vulnerable communities:
- Many girls leave school before completing their basic education.
- Early marriage persists.
- There’s economic dependence on men.
- Job opportunities for women are limited.
Educational inequality is still a reality. In many households, boys’ education continues to take priority over girls’. As a result, many adult women have never learned to read or write.
UN Women data on India
According to UN Women, India has made progress in women’s education and social participation, but significant challenges remain:
- Millions of women are still outside the formal labor market.
- Gender-based violence remains a structural problem.
- Girls in vulnerable communities have less access to education and healthcare.
UN Women also highlights that education and economic independence are key to reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of women and their families.
That’s why women’s empowerment in India isn’t only about equal rights, but also about real access to educational and job opportunities.
The role of education in women’s empowerment
Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming a woman’s life.
When a girl has access to education:
- Her job opportunities increase.
- Her economic independence improves.
- The risk of early marriage is delayed.
- Her self-esteem grows stronger.
- She can break her family’s cycle of poverty.
In many communities in India, skills that might seem basic in other countries represent a huge opportunity:
- Learning English.
- Using a computer.
- Writing a résumé.
- Preparing for an interview.
- Learning a trade.
And education doesn’t only benefit young girls. Many adult women also want to learn to read and write because they never had that chance in childhood.
Our cooperation projects in India
At CiENViDAS we run several international cooperation projects focused mainly on girls and women, with the goal of empowering them and helping them break the cycle of poverty.
We currently run four main projects in India:
100 Lives Alwar: A school for marginalized communities
An educational project for girls from vulnerable communities who struggle to access basic education.
The goal is to provide schooling, educational support, food, and tools to improve their future.
100 Lives Pandharpur: Girls living with HIV in Maharashtra
A program focused on girls living with HIV in Maharashtra.
In addition to access to education, they receive companionship, basic care, emotional support, and opportunities to develop their independence.
100 Lives Jaipur: Orphanage, school, and medical center
A comprehensive project located in Jaipur that supports girls in vulnerable situations.
It includes education, medical care, food, and safe spaces for personal development.
A school for 100 girls in a Jaipur slum
A free school for girls and boys who had previously never attended school.
Many of these children live in slums where access to education is extremely limited. Thanks to this project, they can begin their academic education and develop new opportunities for the future.
Stories of transformation
Over these years, hundreds of women and girls have taken part in educational and training workshops tailored to their real needs.
The workshops cover topics such as:
- English.
- Leadership.
- Basic computer skills.
- Word and Excel.
- Canva.
- Job interview preparation.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Hygiene.
- Personal development.
Many international volunteers share their knowledge to help women gain useful tools to access jobs or continue studying.
Learning English, for example, represents a major job opportunity in India, especially in tourist cities like Jaipur.
There are also adult women who, for the first time in their lives, learn to read and write. For many, this means reclaiming an opportunity they never had as girls.
Thanks to these workshops, many women have found work, others have started small businesses, and some have decided to study technical careers to access better job opportunities.
There isn’t just one story of transformation. There are many women and girls who, little by little, are building a different future thanks to the education and support they’ve received.
Women’s empowerment volunteering in Jaipur
CiENViDAS works alongside local NGOs in Jaipur whose goal is to provide practical training to girls and women who face social barriers or have been left out of the education system.
Our partner NGOs work mainly in vulnerable urban areas, slums, and communities where many girls have no access to formal education.
The volunteering aims to raise awareness, motivate, inform about rights, and offer tools for the sustainable development of women and girls.
Depending on their skills, volunteers can teach:
Basic, useful knowledge
- Math.
- English.
- Hygiene.
- Household budgeting.
- New technologies.
Vocational training
- Cooking.
- Beauty and aesthetics.
- Hairdressing.
- Baking and pastry.
- Sewing.
- Nursing.
Volunteers also help prepare for job interviews, strengthen leadership skills, explore new ways to generate income, and support small businesses.
They also work with local staff on documentation tasks and community support.
How to help from abroad
There are different ways to get involved through our volunteer programs in India, so that more women and girls can access education and break the cycle of poverty.
One of the most important is through educational sponsorship programs, which help fund:
- Schooling.
- School supplies.
- Food.
- Uniforms.
Through CiENViDAS, many girls can keep studying and build a future with greater opportunities.
Supporting girls’ education in India doesn’t just transform one girl’s life — it has a positive impact on her whole family and community.
Women’s empowerment in India often begins with something as simple — and as powerful — as opening a school door.
What is women’s empowerment in India?
Women’s empowerment in India is the process through which women and girls gain access to education, skills, and opportunities to improve their lives, gain economic independence, and participate actively in society. In states like Rajasthan, this process is especially relevant because many women grew up without access to basic education.
How can a volunteer help with women’s empowerment in Jaipur?
Volunteers can contribute in many ways: teaching English, math, or computer skills; running vocational workshops (cooking, sewing, beauty); helping prepare for job interviews; or supporting documentation tasks and community work. No prior teaching experience is needed — what matters most is sharing knowledge in a practical, approachable way.
Do I need teaching experience for women’s empowerment volunteering?
You don’t need formal teaching experience. CiENViDAS women’s empowerment projects look for people eager to share their knowledge and skills. The local team guides volunteers from day one and adapts activities to each person’s profile.
How can I sponsor a girl in India?
Educational sponsorship helps fund a girl’s schooling, school supplies, food, and uniform. Through CiENViDAS you can meet the available girls, choose your sponsored girl, and contribute monthly from €18/month. Visit the sponsorship section at cienvidas.org/en/sponsor-a-child/ for all the details.
How long does women’s empowerment volunteering in India last?
The recommended minimum stay is 2 weeks, though many volunteers choose a month or more to integrate better into the project and make a bigger impact. CiENViDAS offers flexible programs to suit different availability. You can check dates and available options at cienvidas.org/en/volunteer-abroad/.
