Achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed India—requires a strong and inclusive workforce, and integrating women into education and employment is critical to this goal. As India increasingly recognizes the economic and social benefits of women's empowerment, initiatives that support their education and skill development have gained momentum. Programs that equip young women with knowledge, leadership, and financial independence are not only transforming individual lives but also reshaping entire communities.
Divyanshi Sharma’s journey is a testament to this transformation. Hailing from the small village of Binjana near Dewas, she defied traditional barriers to become the first girl in her family to complete the 10th grade. With the support of Milaan Foundation’s Girl Icon program, she discovered new career possibilities, built essential skills, and gained the confidence to pursue higher education. Financial support from the U-Go program further enabled her to thrive in the field of technology. Today, as she prepares for the UPSC exams while excelling in software development, Divyanshi stands as an inspiration, proving that investing in girls unlocks untapped potential for India’s future.
Divyanshi Sharma
Alumni Girl Icon, Cohort - 2022-2023
In the small village of Binjana near Dewas, 20-year-old Divyanshi Sharma has emerged as a remarkable symbol of hope for her family and an inspiration within her community. As the first girl in her family to complete the 10th grade, her success brought immense pride to her household and ignited a spark of ambition for other girls around her. However, achieving this milestone also came with the challenge of deciding what lay ahead for her future.
As Divyanshi moved into the 12th grade, she was at a crossroads, unsure of the best direction. During this critical time, she discovered Milaan’s Girl Icon program—a life-changing opportunity for girls like her. The program expanded her horizons, introducing her to possibilities far beyond traditional BA and B.Com degrees. Through workshops and mentorship, Divyanshi gained essential communication skills and a deep understanding of her rights, empowering her to stand up for herself and advocate for other girls in her community.
Despite her accomplishments, financial challenges made higher education seem like an unattainable dream. However, the confidence and support she received from Milaan gave her the determination to move forward. She enrolled in a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) program, setting her sights on preparing for the UPSC exams, driven by a vision to empower the girls in her village to realize their potential.
The U-Go program, introduced to Divyanshi through Milaan, became a vital support system. It provided financial assistance that significantly eased her family’s financial burden. With this support, Divyanshi focused wholeheartedly on her studies while gaining valuable experience through internships. Her first role as a junior developer at Evolve Info earned her a stipend of ₹12,000 and laid a strong foundation for her future in software development. She later completed a second internship with Expounds SOFT Tech as a junior e-commerce developer, where she honed her skills in web development over six months.
Divyanshi’s determination extended beyond internships. To further support her family while pursuing her dreams, she took on freelance projects. Her first project involved creating an e-commerce website for Navkar Trader, earning her ₹40,000. She also designed a portfolio website for an accountant, earning an additional ₹12,000. Currently, she is working on an extensive ERP project, developing mobile, desktop, and web-based software to streamline business processes, which she aims to complete in the coming months.
Divyanshi’s journey has not only transformed her life but has also shifted her family’s perspective on the importance of education. The Milaan program played a pivotal role in opening her parents’ eyes to the opportunities that education can bring, changing their mindset from considering early marriage to wholeheartedly supporting her academic and career aspirations. They now encourage her ambitions—a significant change that reflects the profound impact of the program.
Divyanshi’s story is one of growth and ambition. Her journey, marked by challenges and achievements, has given her the strength and skills to dream big. With a clear vision for her future, she is driven to inspire other girls to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.
“Looking back, I can confidently say that the Milaan Foundation changed my life. When I first joined the Girl Icon program, I had no idea how much it would shape my future. The two years of training didn’t just teach me new things; it gave me the confidence to follow my dreams and believe in myself. The impact of the Milaan Foundation goes beyond me. My family is proud of my achievements, and now they believe no dream is too big. Many young women in my community come to me for advice and inspiration, which motivates me even more.” Divyanshi says as she reflects on her journey.
Brimming with hope for the future, she continues, “Thanks to Milaan, I’ve become a stronger, more confident person, ready to face any challenge. The skills and lessons I’ve learned continue to guide me as I chase my dreams and help others do the same.”
Founded in 2007, Milaan Foundation, works with a vision towards reducing gender inequality, enhancing life skills, and creating sustainable opportunities for marginalised youth, especially young girls, through education, leadership training, and social advocacy.
Speaking about their mission, Rati Misra, Executive Director, Milaan Foundation, says "Empowering one girl has the potential to transform not just her life but the future of an entire community. Divyanshi's journey reflects the essence of Milaan Foundation's mission—to inspire, educate, and ignite the limitless potential within every girl."
Since its inception, the Girl Icon programme alone has reached over 100,000 girls, with participants across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka by supporting young women through multiple initiatives over the years. Their program focuses on a series of self-positive behaviours that are essential for continued resilience and future leadership that helps them make sound decisions about their future by offering support at every level. Over the years, the communities in which the program functions have demonstrated measurable improvements in education, leadership, digital literacy, health awareness, and financial empowerment.
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