Step inside any store or mall in India, and you will feel it: the vibrant energy of retail. It’s an industry that pulses with life, with millions of dedicated people. However, there is also an invisible element in the industry, and it is a living force. The potential of which is now beginning to be explored: women in retail.
For too long, a job in retail has been seen as just a job. But what if retail could also mean a career? A launchpad for leadership? A pathway to empowering women through skill training that not only changes their own lives, but also those of their families and communities?
The reality is that a significant gap still exists. According to a press release, as of 2023-2024, the female labour force participation rate in India stood at 41%. In spite of the growing trends in women’s education, it represents millions of women held back by limited education, scarce job opportunities, and deeply ingrained societal norms.
At TRRAIN, we don’t just see this as a challenge; we see it as our calling. We believe that empowering women in retail is one of the most powerful catalysts for change, and that journey begins with opportunity.
Empowering Women In Retail: The TRRAINHer Ascent Journey
In 2018, we launched TRRAINHer Ascent, an initiative born from a simple yet powerful idea: to transform underprivileged young women by providing them with the tools to secure meaningful livelihood opportunities for women in the retail sector.
Our goal wasn’t just to find them jobs, but to build futures. The program is a carefully designed journey that works in three key stages:
- Mobilisation: We think opportunity should be for everyone. We work with NGOs, educational bodies, and skill development centres across the country to find young women who have aspirations but don’t have a pathway.
- Training: This is where the transformation truly begins. Over 30-45 days, our participants dive into a comprehensive training for women in retail. It’s not just about learning how to use a cash register. It’s about growing confidence, developing digital and financial literacy, skills to engage with customers, and learning the life skills needed to pursue a professional career. Upon completion, they receive NSDC & Retailers Association Skill Council of India (RASCI) certification, a testament to their newfound expertise.
- Recruitment: Armed with skills and confidence, our graduates are ready to take on the world. TRRAIN connects them with a network of over 4,000+ recruiters who are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, ensuring our graduates secure positions with salaries that offer financial stability.
To date, this program has touched the lives of over 15,000 young women across 48+ cities. But the real impact isn’t in the numbers, it’s in the stories.
More Than a Paycheck: Stories of Transformation
Take Firdos, for example. The biggest hurdle in her path was convincing her own family to let her pursue a career.
“I am immensely thankful to the TRRAINHer Ascent program for persuading my family to grant me the opportunity to participate,” she shares. “Following the successful completion of the program, I was thrilled to secure a position at Skechers, where I am now employed with an annual salary of Rs. 2,56,000.”
Firdos’s story is one of breaking barriers. For others, like Santhiya, it’s about finding a balance that once seemed impossible.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that provided work-life balance, allowing me to be both present for my son and earn a living,” Santhiya says. “Many thanks to my trainer and the TRRAINHer Ascent team for their encouragement.”
These stories illustrate the ripple effect of empowerment. A stable career means financial independence, better education for children, and a woman who becomes a role model in her community. This is what a sustainable livelihood for women truly looks like.
Building an Inclusive Ecosystem For Women In Retail
TRRAIN was born from a deep-seated belief, sparked by our founder, Mr. B.S. Nagesh, that the people of retail deserved a greater sense of pride and dignity in their work. Our initial research revealed that for many, opportunities for upskilling and a sense of inclusion were hard to come by. We set out to change that.
Our vision extends beyond a single program. We are committed to creating a holistic ecosystem of support. While TRRAINHer Ascent focuses on empowering young women, our other initiatives build pride and inclusion across the entire industry:
- PANKH is our dedicated employment program for persons with disabilities, which has already empowered over 35,000 individuals with employment opportunities.
- Retail Employees Day (RED), celebrated in 33 countries, is our initiative with the Retailers Association of India (RAI) to foster a sense of pride among 22 million retail employees.
- The TRRAIN Retail Awards shine a global spotlight on exceptional customer service stories, celebrating the heart and soul of the industry.
Join TRRAIN in Changing Lives
The future of retail is human. It is a future where every employee has a sense of worth, every woman has a road to leadership, and every person living with a disability has an equal chance to thrive.
By investing in women in retail, we are building a more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate industry for all. The bandwagon is in motion, and these marvelous women are taking us there.
Ready to be a part of this change? Donate to Livelihood NGO India and help us empower the next generation of women leaders in retail. Learn more about our programs and how you can support TRRAINHer Ascent.
Inspired by these stories? Share this article to celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of retail in India.
