International Women’s Day 2024: How working women are scripting flexible futures
When 18-year-old Krishana Chhokar completed 12th standard last year, she didn’t want to go down the “traditional theory route,” with three years of college, followed by a job.
She wanted to be financially independent while she studied. Krishana applied to HCL TechBee, a unique program by the IT major that allows class 12 students to start their careers early. She simultaneously enrolled in IIT Guwahati’s online BSc (Honours) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
“I was interested in their curriculum and study structure. As importantly, this online degree gave me the flexibility to learn anytime, while I worked full-time. My shift changes every month, so my study schedule changes accordingly,” she says. Krishana learns mainly on her mobile phone, watching course videos during her work commute from Faridabad to Noida.
“I study everyday, but with the flexibility I need. I’m hungry to learn and really enjoy my life this way,” she adds.
Women in Digital India are discovering they can go beyond conventional learning and work choices, to progress on their own terms. They are embracing the idea of learning from anywhere and the possibility of working from anywhere. From better prospects to second chances, this is an exciting moment as women learn and work in a way that fits their lives.
Geography is history: The flexibility to learn from anywhere
Several considerations restrict how and where women learn in India. A survey by the International Finance Corporation and Coursera found women’s learning choices are impacted by factors like mobility, safety and family obligations.
