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Karthika Rajenderan, a resident of Masinaickenpatty in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a strong pillar of empowerment in her community. She was selected as a Soochnapreneur by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and was provided with an e-service centre near her home. This opportunity has enabled her to offer digital and financial literacy services to people in her area, especially women, helping them improve their livelihoods and confidence.
Before taking on the role of Soochnapreneur, Karthika worked as a Block Resource Person, conducting awareness sessions for women in remote villages. She educated them on the importance of independence and self-reliance. However, the role required her to travel long distances, which was particularly challenging as the mother of an 8-year-old child with disabilities. Being away from home for extended hours created both emotional strain and logistical challenges.
The establishment of a digital centre close to her home marked a turning point in Karthika’s life. It allowed her to work within her community and choose timings that suited her family responsibilities. This flexibility enabled her to effectively balance her work and caregiving duties. With the centre nearby, she no longer needed to travel far and could focus more on the quality of training she delivered.
Karthika has successfully trained over 200 women in her locality on topics including functional digital literacy, financial awareness, and the use of online platforms. Many of these women have since begun using digital tools for work, accessing government schemes, and improving their finances. Her work has not only equipped them with new skills but also inspired them to believe in their potential.
Karthika’s journey highlights the power of community-based digital inclusion. With access to the right resources and support, she has transformed her challenges into opportunities, not only for herself but for the women around her. Her story stands as a powerful example of how digital empowerment can drive sustainable and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
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