Program Partner: Libra Philanthropies
The Azadi Leadership Program was launched in early 2023 by The Azadi Project in partnership with Libra Philanthropies. Our flagship program aims to provide employability and leadership skills to women and youth from refugee and marginalized communities who face intersectional biases and be a career springboard by providing them with internship/employment opportunities in the industry of their choice.
Over the years, the program hopes to contribute to having a higher representation of women in the global workforce while nurturing them to become community leaders who inspire and encourage more participation of marginalized women and youth in the skilled labor workforce in India and globally.
The Azadi Leadership Program focuses on employability skills, personal branding, networking opportunities, leadership skills, and internship opportunities. Experts and industry leaders train the Azadi Leaders. After these training sessions, the leaders conceptualize and implement individual social projects as part of the program to create a sustainable impact in their communities.
Toward the end of the program, each leader gets to work on a professional affiliation/internship with corporate, non-profit, and public sector organizations. The on-the-job experience provides training, mentorship, and support to each participant including a stipend.
Internship Partners:
- Aam Aadmi Party
- The Quint
- Asia Society India Center
- Dalberg Global Consulting
- Jesuit Refugee Service
Community Projects:
- Laal Lahar: Project Bloom In Red- is a one-of-a-kind initiative aimed at addressing menstrual hygiene and gendered environmental sustainability concerns among marginalized individuals in the National Capital Region of India. The project focuses on democratizing access to menstrual products, raising awareness about menstruation, bursting common myths, and normalizing conversations about periods. Period poverty affects countless individuals, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating stigma and shame. This project has started a ripple of sustainable conversations on menstrual health. It is about fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can openly talk about periods, without fear or embarrassment.
- Mental Health Around Menstruation: This community project supported girls and women and addressed the issue of mental health during menstruation. Due to a lack of access to proper knowledge and support systems, many girls and women face difficulties in effectively managing these challenges. Coupled with social taboos, misinformation, and stigma surrounding menstruation, these factors affect their mental health, resulting in feelings of anxiety, irritability, and isolation. To combat these issues, the project includes a range of holistic interventions, such as Yoga for Pain Relief, Music and Art Therapy, as well as sessions with mental health experts and gynecologists. This provided a well-rounded approach to supporting the mental and physical well-being of menstruating people.
- Campus Allies. This Community Project aims for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment for all college students of all genders by conducting workshops and engaging in a dialogue on identifying sexual harassment and assault, Awareness of PoSH law on college and university campuses, and how to be effective allies to victims and survivors. With its wide scope, this project hopes to create a space for survivors and create more dialogue on sensitive issues related to sexual harassment in higher education establishments across India
- Psychosocial Support for Refugees. This project was specifically designed to meet the unique needs of refugee women and young adults, providing essential support to ensure their safety and well-being during the challenges of displacement. As an important component of this initiative, a mental health and wellness session was conducted, which included an expert who provided invaluable guidance on dealing with the mental health challenges that often come with such a difficult situation.
- Educational Awareness Among Religious Minorities. At a slum in Delhi, this project was dedicated to creating awareness and opportunities for education within the Muslim community. The objective was to introduce activities that not only promote education but also nurture essential skills. accordingly, a workshop was conducted highlighting how easily available materials can be used to facilitate basic education. These activities not only promise to enhance the learning experience but also contribute to sustainable solutions to the educational challenges of this community.
- Paint Our Stories: With a powerful blend of art, inclusivity, and healing, Erish and Siddhi are building a vibrant community, a place where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find solace in each other. Together, they aim to create a powerful network of support, offering guidance, empathy, and understanding. This effort is an ode to resilience, a testament to the strength within each and every one of us. It’s time to shatter stereotypes, challenge norms, and celebrate the beauty of our diverse identities.
