How good is the employment situation in India? That depends on who you ask, of course. For some, things have never been better: some Indians are now earning salaries that would not be out of place even in the United States of America; for others, a salary of Rs 2 lakh per month is not even worth batting an eyelid.
There is of course, another India, where jobs are more scarce than ever; and the fight for the few government jobs is so fierce that when recruitment exams take place, the fear of cheating is so strong that the government is forced to ban internet services for the day.
Suman Sharma, a resident of Hahim village in Kamrup district of Assam, was in a similar position until last year. Newly married, Sharma had few options except moving away from Hahim, her village, to either Boko, a nearby town, or to the state capital Guwahati in search of work.
But today, not only has she bucked the trend of migrating for a better life, she has become what is perhaps the biggest dream for many living on the margins: a self-sufficient entrepreneur. Sharma now runs her SoochnaPreneur Business Mitra Centre, earning a handsome monthly income, all while ensuring her baby stays with her at all times.
Sharma is just one among the hundreds of success stories that dot the landscape of Assam, thanks to the Udyamini programme, launched by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), helping women overcome the barriers of limited digital access and knowledge. By providing digital training and support, the programme is empowering women to start small businesses, engage in entrepreneurship, and access new markets—both online and offline.
Committed to bridging the digital divide, DEF’s initiatives have empowered countless women to harness technology, fostering economic independence and community development.
Addressing those on the margins
Tanmoie Sharma, a programme manager at DEF, has been part of the Udyamini Programme since its inception. She currently serves as the state coordinator for Assam, overseeing Udyamini’s implementation. “We are focusing on reaching the marginalised sections of society through digital interventions,” Sharma explains. “Our tagline says we’re reaching out to people at the edge of information, trying to address the problem of access.” For Tonmoie, the Udyamini programme is more than just a job; it’s a mission to bridge the digital divide and bring sustainable change to the people who need it most.
The initiative aims to raise entrepreneurs’ revenues by 20-25% by improving their access to markets, whether local or digital. According to Tonmoie, “The biggest challenge we face is helping these rural women entrepreneurs, or RWEs, adapt to new technology.” The primary focus, she says, is to turn Android phones into tools of business empowerment. “When we set up the SBM (Smart Business Management) centre, we started by teaching them how to use smartphones for business purposes. This was a ‘weapon’ in their hands to grow their business and increase revenue.”
Through DEF’s support, RWEs are learning to use digital platforms for bookkeeping, marketing, and connecting with customers, bringing them a step closer to financial independence and community upliftment.
Understanding that digital skills alone are not sufficient for entrepreneurial success, DEF offers specialised training tailored to the unique needs of rural women entrepreneurs. Workshops on business planning, financial management, and digital marketing are regularly conducted, providing women with the tools to start and scale their ventures. Additionally, DEF facilitates mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs guide newcomers, fostering a supportive network that encourages innovation and resilience.
The case of Hiramoni Das, a trainer in Nahira, Kamrup, is a perfect example. In addition to running her own SBM centre, Hiramoni Das is a trainer in Nahira. “I have years of experience working with various NGOs, including DEF,” she shares. Her motivation to become a trainer stemmed from her desire to help women who were not progressing in the digital world.
The biggest lesson she has learned is that “the transition from English to Assamese and vice versa when it comes to Apps is not always smooth.” This language barrier is a significant challenge for women who have not previously used digital technology. However, Hiramoni believes digital apps are more forgiving than traditional bookkeeping. “In case someone forgets an entry today, they can easily rectify it the next day, and using such Apps also helps them get more familiar with the smartphone.”
Cybersecurity training has also become an essential component of her work. “We train women in large groups to protect themselves from scams. Many receive spam messages claiming their ATMs will be blocked, and we emphasise never to respond to such messages,” Hiramoni explains.
Through her centre, Hiramoni earns Rs 10,000 per month, and she has bigger goals for the future, aiming to help more women embrace digital entrepreneurship.
The flexible nature of SBM centres is perfect for rural women in Assam. Take the example of Mandira Kalita, formerly a housewife, whose life transformed her life with the help of DEF. Choosing a central location in her village, Mandira launched a centre where people could access DEF’s digital tools. “My main work is to help them access and learn the apps we use, like Mera Bill, which helps people manage their spending and savings,” she explains.
Mandira emphasises that her goal isn’t just personal profit but a broader vision of empowering others. “I want women to be self-sufficient. If they can earn Rs 10,000 per month, it would mean so much,” she shares. Within just four months, she has been able to earn Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000 monthly and has set her sights on Rs 50,000 in the coming year. The rent for her centre is only Rs 1,500, making it a viable model for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
And then there is the story of Meenakshi Das. Running a digital centre from home in Tokoradia, Das has managed to balance family, handloom work, and her digital services. “A shop would mean additional time and expenses which is not ideal. This way, I can do everything from home,” she says. WhatsApp has become her tool for advertising her services, proving that even in remote areas, social media can be a valuable business asset.
Meenakshi’s journey highlights the transformative power of digital access. “Online access has helped me understand the market better,” she shares. DEF’s training has not only equipped her to manage her business but has also provided a platform for other women to gain digital skills.
The most pressing issue she sees is the vulnerability of local women to online scams, making cybersecurity education a priority in her training sessions.
Sriparnita Das, a resident of Nahira, comes from a background in the handloom business, now feels more equipped to manage her finances. “Thanks to the training I have received, I’m more aware of what’s happening with my business finances,” Das, who has been working with the handloom sector for four years now, says.
DEF’s digital interventions have also helped her access raw materials and online markets, which have contributed to the growth of her handloom business. Sriparnita believes the next step is to expand her market reach and introduce her products to broader audiences, leveraging online platforms to drive demand for traditional Assamese handloom products.
With their Udyamini programme, DEF has helped hundreds of women in Assam overcome significant hurdles, from digital illiteracy to limited market access. Tonmoie Sarmah notes that going forward, DEF plans to introduce more mobile-based applications like the Mera App. This app consolidates government schemes and services, allowing SBMs to self-access crucial information. “If they learn to use the app judiciously, they won’t need us to teach them about the schemes; they can access the information themselves,” Sharma explains.
The focus on digital literacy has paved the way for increased economic independence for these women. Through DEF’s initiatives, they’ve transformed Android phones from mere communication devices into tools of business empowerment, enabling them to track finances, reach customers, and access government schemes.
Breaking through barriers, one step at a time
From teaching women to use smartphones for business purposes to helping them avoid online scams, DEF’s impact in Assam is multi-faceted. While challenges remain, particularly around digital adaptation and language barriers, the progress made is unmistakable. Women like Suman Sharma, Mandira Kalita Das, and Hiramoni Das represent a new wave of entrepreneurs who are determined to support their communities while building a brighter future for themselves.
These women’s stories reflect DEF’s mission—to empower individuals by providing them with the tools they need to be self-sufficient. In Mandira’s words, “If they can earn Rs 10,000 per month, it would mean so much.” And for many of these women, that journey has already begun, a testament to the transformative power of digital access and community-driven support.
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