Charu Parashar: An Inspiring Journey of a Social Entrepreneur

Charu Parashar, a social entrepreneur and a change-maker, is the founder of "DigiSaathi," a non-profit organization that helps empower women and girls. She is known for her passion for education, her innovative approach to solving social issues, and her unwavering dedication to making a significant impact in the lives of others.

Early Life and Education

Charu Parashar was born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, India. Her childhood experiences shaped her passion for education and social justice. She completed her education in India and holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Delhi University.

Founding DigiSaathi

In 2018, Charu Parashar founded DigiSaathi, with the aim of empowering women and girls through digital literacy. DigiSaathi's mission is to provide women with the necessary knowledge, skills, and access to technology to enable them to participate fully in the digital economy.

DigiSaathi's Impact

DigiSaathi has reached over 2 million women and girls across 15 states in India. The organization provides a range of programs, including digital literacy training, entrepreneurship training, and access to affordable mobile devices.

• Digital Literacy: DigiSaathi has trained over 1 million women and girls in digital literacy, equipping them with the skills to use the internet, social media, and other digital tools.
• Entrepreneurship Training: DigiSaathi has supported over 500,000 women to start their own businesses through entrepreneurship training and access to micro-loans.
• Affordable Mobile Devices: DigiSaathi has partnered with mobile phone manufacturers to provide affordable mobile devices to women, increasing their access to digital technologies.

Recognition and Awards

Charu Parashar and DigiSaathi have been recognized for their innovative work and impact on women's empowerment. Some of the notable awards and recognitions include:

• NITI Aayog's "Women Transforming India" Award (2021)
• Forbes "30 Under 30 Asia" list (2020)
• Ashoka Fellow (2021)

Inspirational Story Cases

DigiSaathi's work has transformed the lives of countless women, empowering them to overcome social and economic barriers. Here are two inspiring story cases:

Case 1:

Kavita, a young woman from a rural village, was trained in digital literacy by DigiSaathi. She used her newfound skills to create an online grocery store, providing fresh produce to her community. Her business has not only increased her income but has also created job opportunities for other women in the village.

Case 2:

Rani, a mother of two, was struggling to find a way to supplement her family's income. DigiSaathi provided her with entrepreneurship training and a micro-loan. She used the loan to start a small tailoring business from her home. Now, she is able to earn a stable income and support her family.

Humorous Anecdote

During a digital literacy training session, Charu was teaching a group of women how to use the internet. One woman asked, "What is Google?" Charu patiently explained that Google is a search engine. The woman replied, "Oh! So, it's like a magnifying glass for the internet?" Charu laughed and said, "That's a very good way to think about it!"

Charu Parashar's Philosophy

Charu Parashar believes that technology has the power to transform lives, especially for women and girls. She often says, "When we empower women with digital literacy, we not only empower them individually but also create a ripple effect that benefits their families, communities, and the entire society."

Conclusion

Charu Parashar and DigiSaathi's inspiring journey demonstrate the transformative power of education and digital empowerment. Their work has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of women and girls in India, empowering them to overcome social and economic barriers and achieve financial independence. Charu's passion, dedication, and innovative approach to solving social issues serve as an inspiration to all those working towards a more just and equitable world.