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Pammi Shukla, a Digital Sarthak from the village of Naseempur in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, is an inspiring figure in her community. At 30, she has become a beacon of empowerment not only for her own family but also for countless women and girls in her village. Her commitment and longstanding association with the Digital Empowerment Foundation over the past four years have made her a symbol of positive change, first as a Digital Sarthak, and now as a proud Digital Didi.
Living with her family of five, Pammi earns a modest monthly income of Rs. 5000. However, her dedicated work on various projects over the years has helped her build a solid reputation, which has greatly supported her ability to drive programme-related interventions within the village. Through the Digital Didi programme, she first learned about menstrual health and hygiene, including how to counter myths and misinformation surrounding menstruation.
Pammi has since educated over 100 women and girls on menstrual health, digital literacy, financial literacy, and much more. She has become adept at setting up smartphones, creating a Gmail ID, making online payments, and helping others access vital digital services. Her tireless efforts have brought about tangible change: 60 women from her village, now more aware and informed, have also become her customers by purchasing SmartPads.
The programme has not only benefited her community but has also had a positive impact on her family’s livelihood. Pammi anticipates an increase in her income through SmartPad sales, having already earned a profit of Rs. 3000. The programme has sparked greater awareness around menstrual hygiene, with customers appreciating the SmartPad as a healthy and safe alternative.
Pammi’s determination and the change she has facilitated in her village stand as a testament to the power of grassroots digital empowerment, and her journey offers a glimpse of a promising and brighter future.
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