by Aishwarya Srivastava | Published: 02 January , 2024

Amidst the diverse, beautiful colors of food, attire, and landscape with its variety of flora and fauna lie several harsh realities that hold back the district of Pali. Bestowed with rich heritage and abundant natural resources, Pali is a rural district in Rajasthan. A grave concern in this district is the lack of adequate educational opportunities for women and their status in society. The situation is worse for those from marginalized communities in villages.

A Beacon of Inspiration

Priti* (21) belongs to the Keer community, a marginalized community in Dudhani village of Bali tehsil in Pali. I met her during my team’s interactions with her community members, where she played the role of a guide. Through the immersion experiences, I learned her story and realized that it was nothing short of an inspiration to her community.

A Glimpse into Regressive Customs

Pali, generally, is a patriarchal and caste-sensitive society, and girls and women do not have access to educational opportunities with prevalent cases of child marriages and regressive customs like bride selling. The district witnesses high dropout rates among young girls after completing primary education due to fewer senior secondary schools and colleges in restricted areas that are situated far away from their homes and for which they do not get permission from their family. Priti’s community, not unlike other rural parts of Pali, is highly patriarchal, where women are mostly confined to the four walls of their homes and considered nothing more than a commodity.

Encountering Regressive Customs

During my visit and interactions, I found Pali mired in varied regressive and unusual traditional customs such as Nata 1 (bride-selling), Aata-Saata2 (exchange of women for marriage between two families), etc. shackle women in these communities. My journey during this immersion was replete with good personal encounters indicating the considerable gap between men’s and women’s rights from their access to fundamental rights (which of these rights in particular?) to having the agency to make decisions for their futures.

Breaking the Chains

Like other girls in her community, Priti faced multiple challenges completing her education and pursuing her dreams. She struggled against family opposition to study until the 8th standard and finally dropped out when her father’s opposition grew more assertive. She belonged to a lower caste which didn’t win her favours since they lived in a caste-dominated society.

A disheartened Priti was forced to take a year-long break. She discovered Doosra Dashak, a social purpose organisation (SPO) in Pali that primarily teaches holistic education to adolescents, especially females aged 11-20 years.

Empowered by Education

Priti jumped at this opportunity, raising her concerns with the founder. As a response, he tried to convince her father and family to permit her to pursue her dreams. This conversation didn’t go well, unable to garner much support. Nevertheless, Priti took a bold decision, went against her father’s wishes, and joined back with backing from the SPO. To keep her father happy, she supported him in agricultural work to generate adequate income for their family while continuing and working hard in school. This was just the beginning as Priti decided to join the Bachelor of Arts programme in a nearby gain without family support. Commuting 1 km on foot every day to catch a bus to her college, Priti continues this physically exhausting and mentally draining journey to make her dream come true. The absence of higher education institutes in the village and proper conveyance to the city hinders more women from pursuing further education, despite their potential and interest.

The Transformative Power of Education

Priti’s confidence and self-esteem were greatly benefited by the various training sessions in Doosra Dashak on holistic education, fundamental rights awareness, convincingly voicing one’s opinions, and computer skills. This was evident as she smoothly guided our team interactions and focus group discussions with female MGNREGA3 workers and men engaged in other activities from communities different from her own.

A Beacon for Change

Currently, Priti is also associated with a rural development society RAJEEVIKA4 that implements self-help groups (SHGs). She trains and educates women from the village community about their rights, divides caused by gender, caste, class, and employment opportunities. Further, she motivates them towards becoming economically and mentally independent in life. Priti could have continued to focus on her journey of becoming empowered, but she truly wants to make a difference for the girls and women in her community.

She is working on a large-scale project to kick-off a bus service in her village Dudhani to facilitate an easy and safe commute, especially for girls who wish to pursue higher education outside the city. Further, she promotes cottage-based industries to boost livelihood and income opportunities for village women. In addition, Priti leads six other SHGs in her village and soon plans to form a Village Level Organisation (VLO), a Gram Sangathan, which would help mobilize all women from the community and motivate them to participate actively. To work together in unity towards promoting quality education, skilling for better livelihood opportunities, and overall empowerment.

Vision for the Future

Priti dreams of becoming her best version and giving back to society by working more towards the empowerment of rural girls and women in Pali, a much-needed area to be emphasized that could immensely boost the overall development of the district. With steadfast determination to pursue her goals, Priti continues to be a role model for other females from the village community to question deep-rooted regressive norms and take a stand for themselves towards leading a better life.

According to her, “It is high time that people of Pali give females their well-deserved status, and small positive changes contribute to larger impacts. I am doing the same by bringing a positive shift and generating awareness about the suitable means. Also, if girls and women are educated and independent, it is beneficial for not only their families but contributes towards the development of the society and the nation as well.” *All names have been changed to protect identities

Empowering Through Education

In the tapestry of Pali’s societal norms, Priti emerges as a vibrant thread, weaving a narrative of resilience, determination, and empowerment. Her story epitomizes the challenges faced by many women in rural India, yet it also illuminates the transformative power of education and individual agency. As we unravel the layers of Priti’s journey, we uncover not just a personal triumph but a catalyst for societal change.

Nurturing Changemakers

Aishwarya Srivastava, through the Realising India program at ISDM, unearthed the inspirational story of Priti, showcasing how education and determination can defy societal constraints. This narrative reflects ISDM’s commitment to nurturing changemakers who understand the intricacies of India’s developmental challenges and work towards sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Realising India is a two-week structured immersion program planned for the students between Terms II and III as part of ISDM’s Context-Based Collaborative Learning (CBCL). It enables the students to develop a deep understanding of people’s lives on the district level, preparing them to design interventions.

1. Practiced by the Bhil tribe, one of the largest in South Asia, Nata Pratha is a centuries-old custom still alive in several Indian states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. It allows men to live with as many women resulting in children being abandoned by their parents. Traditionally, both the man and the woman are supposed to be married or widowed, but the custom has evolved to include single people as well. People have started misusing the Nata custom.

2. Aata saata is a system where a family that enters into an alliance of their daughter only when the other family pledges to give them a daughter to be married in their family

3. The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA) is regarded as the Indian labor law and social security measure that targets to guarantee people of India the ‘right to work.

4. Information about RAJEEVIKA (is this http://www.rajeevika.rajasthan.gov.in/about-rgavp.php?)

Many people have a deep interest in joining the social sector, but very few have a nuanced and informed understanding of the various aspects involved in working in it. For example, social purpose organisations that generate profit come as a surprise to most. Similarly, many may not be aware of the difference between social entrepreneurship and a social enterprise. Social enterprises, in fact, carry out a purely commercial activity, while social entrepreneurship has an underlying social objective and is not connected to profit. This article aims to unpack these similar-sounding yet starkly different terminologies ‘Social Enterprise’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ and understand the role of development management in creating these.

A Social Enterprise is essentially an organisation that engages in commercial activities and looks at a profit in conjunction with improving the well-being of people or the environment. Deriving profit from this activity could be one of the motives. Social enterprises are often viewed as organisations that do not generate profits or distribute them to stakeholders. You would be surprised to know that most social enterprises make profits and reinvest them back into the organisation. The structuring of social enterprises is for-profit, non-profit, or not for profit. A social enterprise's core purpose or ethos is built on a social mission to maximise the bottom line.

Social entrepreneurship refers to initiatives made by a person or group of people. The resultant benefits are the outcome of an entrepreneur who has a social vision, and the product is the result of a social initiative with no profit. Entrepreneurs are the change against whom they look to forge organisations or fashion change in existing ones to create social impact. Innovation is fundamental in social entrepreneurship.

Also Read: Which is the best course for a management career in the social sector?

Development Management for Social Entrepreneurship

Development Management focuses on empowering development professionals to roll up their sleeves and dive into complex community issues which need sensitivity, empathy, and tactfulness. The Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP DM), developed and carefully curated by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), enables professionals to look at existing models, structures, systems, and processes. They are empowered to redesign appropriate strategies and interventions that could be more effective and efficient. Many ISDM alumni have been deeply involved in launching or working with social entrepreneurial ventures today.

– Tanushree Jain, PGP DM Batch of 2017-18
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF NUSHAURA

“NUSHAURA is a for-profit social enterprise working with rural and tribal artisans across various remote villages in Rajasthan. They curate sustainable, healthy, handmade products. The aim is to maintain the well-being of the consumers and Mother Earth. What is unique about this social enterprise is how the artisans are equal stakeholders, creating an increased sense of responsibility and efficiency.”

– Anamika Kandari, PGP DM Class of 2017-18
OWNER OF THE KHALSEN HOMESTAY

The Khalsen Homestay in Uttarakhand was started to support rural livelihood opportunities and create a mindset to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

“People from the hills are very hard working but lack entrepreneurial skills. They have resources, and there are multiple schemes to support them, but there is a huge gap in awareness and implementation. So, our efforts have set a sustainable income generation model.”

– Abhishek Paluri, PGP DM Class of 2020-21
OWNER OF THE KHALSEN HOMESTAY

HUManity is an organisation focused on identifying the needs of childcare institutions and providing need-based interventions. The programs are implemented with the objective of the holistic development of children by including components that enhance life skills, literacy, and infrastructure.

The Need for Social Enterprises and Social Entrepreneurship

There is a crying need for a broader understanding of the social problems that affect communities and searching for effective outcomes to address them. Developing models in social enterprises, irrespective of profit as a motive, is a dire requisite. Committed organisations working on social causes with a double bottom line of financial gain and societal welfare are changing conventional business models. The path forward addresses global issues of the environment, welfare, health, and education through innovation and unconventional approaches. Social enterprises like NUSHAURA, the Khalsen Homestay and HUManity address community issues focused on positive social change. To drive the concept of social enterprises, we need entrepreneurs like Tanushree, Anamika and Abhishek who transcend convention with innovative solutions, are operated with ambition and perseverance and are eager to change systems. Social entrepreneurs are viewed as change agents who can tread into areas where other stakeholders have been unable to venture into due to the scarcity of funds or the sheer will to do so.

Is there a closeted Social Entrepreneur in you?

Are you a development professional who loves problems and not the solution?

Do you believe that no one owns a social solution? Do you think these solutions should be co-created with the community to ensure sustainability and impact using a change management philosophy?

Lastly, do you understand that impact is the bottom line of the social sector? You cannot rely on innovation and invention alone but need to prove impact and pursue scale, making them visionary and disciplined in your approach?

If you found yourself answering ‘yes’ to these questions, according to Suzanne Smith, the founder of Social Impact Architects, you have the mindset of a social entrepreneur! The community’s problems and latent needs address them from a social perspective. Social change is achieved through organisations with bold and innovative solutions crafted by social entrepreneurs. They are essential in driving change from the 2 Ps to the 3 Ps of People, Planet and Prosperity. The realisation that every organisation can shape the welfare of communities is what needs to be acknowledged and appreciated. The ultimate goal is for social change to be possible by social organisations and social entrepreneurs.

To take a step further toward social change, enrol yourself in the Post Graduate Program of Development Management by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM). ISDM is a unique and pioneering school of management. The curriculum does not merely retrofit Business Management to development projects but is explicitly born from the union of the two binding domains of development leadership and management.

For us to understand Development Management, it is important to know what we mean by development. Development is often construed to be about growth, political, and social ambitions put together. However, It goes a step further. Development is a continuous process that looks at societal development and results in their emergence from the depths of deprivation through increased productivity, economic and social freedom. Development being an ongoing process, it is also key to have a thought process that is self sustaining and not project based.

Development management took roots from the application of pure management principles to the running of development activities. Over a period of time it was felt necessary to introduce a process based management system that would remove stagnation in the public service systems of large underdeveloped countries such as India. Thus, evolved the study of Development Management. It has evolved from the days of traditional development administration, and moved on to deliver an accelerated, responsive and customized approach to complex situations and conditions.

Development Management has a much wider canvas and includes -

1. Management of specific issues and tasks in development interventions.

2. This management of development should look to work towards development ideals in a clearly defined context of development.

3. Besides getting the task at hand completed, it also involves creation of a self-sustaining capacity for future interventions through institutions that rely on experience and a knowledge based model.

4. Development Management, thus is involved with management, planning and policy-making aspects of the development process.

Social Science has been keenly working on the dynamics of the processes involved in the transformation of societies as they embark on the road to development. History shows us that the transformation of any society is a process that diverges from a simple task oriented process to a holistic development effort. The transformation of any society is structural, complex, continuous and dependent on a host of factors that fuel the change.

In a structurally diverse country such as India, development is driven through a management process that requires a deeper understanding of the dynamics of a mixed economy with an agenda that is led by populist government policies and intervention. One thing is clear. In development, there is no end game. Transformation is a continuous and cyclical process of change that evolves over a period of time.

With demographic, ethinic, social and economic diversity all the models in development economics somewhat fail to capture the complexities of transformation that are not only incentive driven but are also driven by “social formations' ' and “social processes' '. India, with its huge population is a developing country with “Unlimited Supplies of Labour ''.

We are still in the thought process where the dual-sector model of W. Arthur Lewis is often applied in planning models and looks - the subsistence sector and the capitalist sector. Unfortunately, the complex process of development goes beyond the rather simplistic approach and requires a deeper understanding of the development management process.

Also Read: Which is the best course for a management career in the social sector?

Social Sector - The Next Place To Be In

The younger generation of today is seeking fulfillment at their work. While money is important these youngsters look to be part of a bigger picture. Leading a balanced life that offers them happiness and satisfaction, takes overriding priority over money. At the St Gallen Symposium, a global conference for leaders, students were asked as to what motivated them in the career. Almost 50% leaders of tomorrow responded that work which had a positive impact on society was the most important criterion as against a mere 14% who were motivated by income levels. These findings reflect the shifting attitudes of today’s students who are now keen in applying management skills to shape society.

The younger generation of today is seeking fulfillment at their work. While money is important these youngsters look to be part of a bigger picture. Leading a balanced life that offers them happiness and satisfaction, takes overriding priority over money. At the St Gallen Symposium, a global conference for leaders, students were asked as to what motivated them in the career. Almost 50% leaders of tomorrow responded that work which had a positive impact on society was the most important criterion as against a mere 14% who were motivated by income levels. These findings reflect the shifting attitudes of today’s students who are now keen in applying management skills to shape society.

The development sector in India is now maturing with thrust coming from the government as well as the corporate sector. With the government realising that it is no longer possible to follow the development agenda given the sheer size and numbers, the corporate sector is also coming forward. The professionalization of this is a natural corollary. Even the way of doing business is undergoing a paradigm change with factors such as sustainability, culture, social responsibility and governance coming to the fore. To manage this transition, there is an increasing demand for people who are educated and possess the right skillset.

Why should you consider a career in the social sector?

1. The development sector has rapidly grown in India with organisations/ initiatives like domestic and international NGOs, foundations with a social focus, CSR activities, social consulting, social research organisations etc. coming forth. This has thrown up a host of opportunities with managerial and structural roles getting specialised. Requirements for roles in strategy, communications, fund-raising, project management, programme leadership, CSR partnerships and operations and others have led to the social development sector to evolve as one of the primary career destinations.

2. With the millennial wanting to pursue a meaningful and purposeful career, the roads have opened up the development sector. The changing career opportunities in the sector have led to opportunities with remunerations that are at par with the best in the industry. A case in example is ISDM (Indian School of Development Management) has been regularly placing its students in the social sector with more than 100 reputed development organisations and corporates coming to the campus. The packages offered to the students are at par and in some cases better than other high profile professions like IT.

3. With alternate funding avenues (like CSR) now getting directed to the social sector, the demand for professionals and managers is on the increase. Working in this area gives the professional to deliver sustainable social impact and the opportunity to tackle the most complex social issues facing our nation. For youngsters who are passionate about social issues, the development sector promises a career full of substance.

We now take a closer look at the PGP- Development management offered by ISDM, a premier institute offering learning in real-world management and leadership skills, ethics, development of social conscience in an effort to lead and manage organisations with a social purpose. The ISDM has been in the news for pioneering a curriculum that is focussed at creating professionally equipped Development Managers to contribute to the Indian social sector. The institution has been crafting a process driven approach for the development sector, one that looks at developing professional, socially-aware, deeply sensitive and reflective managers and leaders.

The People Behind ISDM

ISDM is a not-for-profit Section-8 company and has aspirations to build this institution and an enabling ecosystem to achieve impact at scale for the development sector and society. Their belief is that this vision is attainable only through collective wisdom and collective philanthropy. Hence, the Founder members of ISDM are carefully identified and play a role to shape the legacy institution by being a part of the Advisory Board. In a short span of 4 years, we have been backed by brilliant people and key influencers in the sector.

What are the differences between ISDM's PGP DM Program and an MSW Degree

We now examine some differences between the two programs that offer post graduation in Social Work.

Masters of Social Work (MSW) is a postgraduate course that prepares people to work in the social sector. It provides a broad and comprehensive framework of professional social and development practice. The MSW degree focuses on imparting learning in the field of development with emphasis on marginalised communities, women, children, disabled, disaster affected and the underprivileged to put it broadly.

While the ethos of a Masters of Social Work essentially is the same across courses, there are a few differences which young aspirants should know of to make an informed decision.

The traditional MSW course is geared at familiarizing students with working at a grass root level and doing field work. On the other hand, PGP DM Program offered by ISDM goes a step further and imparts management and leadership skills required to work in the Social Sector. ISDM’s PGP DM Program trains students to manage and lead in the development sector in a variety of roles in areas such as research, CSR, advocacy, management, marketing, or entrepreneurship, and in thematic areas ranging from health and education to water, sanitation and gender etc.

In that sense, the minute difference in the two programmes hinges on the career aspirations of the student. ISDM’s PGP DM Program offers the student a wider canvas to grow professionally and also pursue a meaningful and purposeful career.

Career Opportunities after ISDM’s PGP DM Program

Post completing the ISDM’s PGP DM Program, students get opportunities with leading national and international organisations where they work in different functions including program management, fundraising, communications, research, Corporate Social Responsibility engagement, strategy, partnerships, and human resources. There is a sizable demand and requirement for management professionals in social enterprises/NGOs and corporations in diverse areas such as solar power, health, livelihoods, education, and waste management etc.

ISDM has over 150+ placement partners in the development sector and, as a result, were able to assure 100% placements in the previous batches. The placement process at ISDM is unique in that it is student-centric, and not organisation-centric. During the placement process at ISDM, students indicate their organisational preferences and roles to the placement team. Using this information, relevant job offers are sought and presented to them.

Besides, the students that pass out from ISDM continue to be a closely knit community even after graduation. The alumni continue with mentorship, career guidance, attending talks and lectures at ISDM, and many even work at ISDM!

To Conclude

A career in the social sector is now not only for social science graduates. With the emergence of the Development Management program, students from diverse backgrounds are being attracted to drive social change as part of their careers. These courses like the ISDM’s PGP DM are bringing forth quality education that is specifically directed for professionals wanting to pursue a career in the Social/ Development Sector.

The time is ripe to look beyond MBA and glamorous corporate sector jobs. Careers here are transitioning from charity to rewards. It is time for the millennial to realize that there is more to social work than the drudgery of field work. The Indian School of Development Management’s PGP-in Development Management gives the theory and practical tools to drive transformations and create self-sustaining institutions that look at alleviation of deprivation traps.

Published: 04 January , 2024

In the dynamic world of India's social sector, achieving success goes beyond the basic desire to make a difference. It requires a combination of hard skills and essential soft skills. We present you with a listicle that breaks down these crucial soft skills and provides you with a checklist for mastering them.

1. The Power of Teamwork

Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in India's social sector. Unlike the corporate world, where solo endeavors are common, here, teamwork is non-negotiable. But it's not just about working together; it's about working effectively together. In a sector where diverse stakeholders come together, the ability to collaborate, communicate, actively listen, and understand various viewpoints is essential. It's teamwork, but with a social twist.

• Effective Communication

  In the social sector, being able to communicate clearly is pivotal. Effective communication ensures that your message is understood, reducing the risk of project roadblocks.

• Empathetic Engagement

  Empathy is key in understanding the perspectives of the people you serve. It allows you to connect on a deeper level, which is often vital for effective social impact.

2. Critical Thinking: Unraveling Complex Challenges

In the complex web of India's social sector, critical thinking is your compass. Many of the issues tackled in this field are interconnected and interdependent. To succeed, you must think critically, examining problems from multiple perspectives and using data, evidence, and accounts to arrive at holistic solutions. Critical thinking allows you to view situations neutrally and make well-informed decisions, an invaluable skill for NGOs and the development sector.

• Problem-Solving Prowess

  Critical thinking enables you to identify problems and develop creative solutions, a skill that is indispensable in tackling complex social issues.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making

  Making decisions based on reliable data ensures that your efforts are focused on strategies that are more likely to succeed.

3. Networking: Building Bridges for Change

Networking isn't just a buzzword; it's a superpower in the social sector. It opens doors to knowledge exchange, collaboration, and new opportunities. In India's vast and diverse landscape, professionals often work on similar issues in different regions. Networking bridges these geographical gaps, enabling the sharing of ideas and mutually beneficial conclusions.

• Knowledge Sharing

  Networking allows you to tap into the collective wisdom of your peers, helping you discover innovative approaches and best practices.

• Partnerships and Alliances

  Building a network of partners can expand your resources and enhance your capacity to drive meaningful change.

4. Thriving Under Pressure

The social sector in India often deals with sensitive issues and an overwhelming workload. But with the right approach, you can thrive under pressure. Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) often provide a supportive community that helps mitigate the stress associated with job demands. Additionally, you can employ various stress management techniques to ensure you remain effective and resilient, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.

• Stress-Reduction Strategies

  Learning to manage stress through techniques like mindfulness and time management can significantly improve your performance.

• Supportive Work Environment

  Being part of an organization that values work-life balance and offers support can be a game-changer for professionals in the social sector.

5. Willingness to Learn and Unlearn

The ability to learn and unlearn is the secret sauce of success in India's social sector. Learning new skills and concepts empowers you to adapt to evolving circumstances and excel in your role. But equally important is unlearning – the process of letting go of outdated or incorrect ideas. In this dynamic field, you may encounter concepts that challenge your existing beliefs. Embracing unlearning and relearning is crucial for staying adaptable and effective.

• Continuous Professional Development

  A commitment to ongoing learning ensures that you remain relevant in a field that constantly evolves.

• Adapting to Change

  Embracing new ideas and approaches can lead to groundbreaking innovations and solutions.

6. Cultivating Empathy

Empathy is a soft skill that can't be overlooked in the social sector. Understanding and sharing the feelings of those you serve is at the heart of creating meaningful change. Empathy allows you to connect with the people you aim to assist on a deeper level and truly make a difference.

• Client-Centered Approaches

  An empathetic approach helps you tailor your services to the unique needs and experiences of your clients.

• Building Trust

  Demonstrating empathy fosters trust, which is essential in a sector where trust can be the difference between success and failure.

In the realm of India's social sector, success is not solely about good intentions; it's about mastering the essential soft skills. This checklist of soft skills—teamwork, communication, critical thinking, networking, thriving under pressure, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and cultivating empathy—is your roadmap to making a profound impact. Embrace these skills, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a changemaker in India's social sector. Whether you're just starting your career in the social sector or seeking to enhance your current role, this checklist will guide you toward the success you desire.

What are the soft skills for social workers?

• Soft skills for social workers include teamwork, effective communication, critical thinking, networking, ability to work under pressure, and a willingness to learn and unlearn. These skills are crucial for success in the social sector in the social sector, where collaboration, empathy, and adaptability are paramount.

What skills do you need to work in the development sector?

• To excel in the development sector, a combination of hard skills (project management, fundraising) and soft skills (teamwork, communication, critical thinking) is essential for effective development management and leadership.

How do I start a career in social work?

• Acquiring a blend of hard and soft skills is key to starting a social work career. ISDM’s Post Graduate Program in Development Management offers a comprehensive curriculum and practical learning experiences, fostering essential skills for success in the field. More details at ISDM's Program.