In India, a significant number of women leave their careers after marriage or childbirth. This phenomenon is often attributed to a multitude of challenges, including inadequate work-life balance, limited childcare options, and a lack of networking opportunities. 

Research indicates that around 34% of women in India exit the workforce due to difficulties in balancing professional and family responsibilities. Compounding this issue, approximately 37% of organizations do not provide maternity leave, and only 17.5% offer childcare facilities. Women who attempt to return to work after a career break often encounter significant barriers, as many companies lack effective mechanisms to foster a genuinely gender-diverse culture.

Recognizing these challenges, Prayaana Labs, founded by Chandra Vadhana, is dedicated to empowering women to pursue their professional aspirations despite the obstacles they face. The organization aims to create an environment where women can thrive and achieve their dreams, effectively addressing the pressing need for gender equity in the workforce.

The Journey Begins

Chandra Vadhana's own journey reflects the struggles many women face. An MBA and PhD scholar from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), she took an extended five-year maternity break to care for her children. 

During this time, she did not remain idle; she completed a Master’s in Psychology and worked as a freelance soft skills trainer, as well as taking on roles as a radio jockey and voiceover artist. Eventually, she secured a position at TIST Toc H Institute of Science & Technology as a faculty member. However, her desire to create a broader impact and empower other women led her to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

In 2014, Chandra founded a recruitment consulting company, 4Tune Factory. This venture proved challenging, especially as she tried to navigate her own re-entry into the workforce while simultaneously building a business. During this time, she became acutely aware of the struggles faced by women from various backgrounds as they sought to achieve their professional goals. She perceived this loss of potential as detrimental not only to the individuals involved but also to the economy as a whole. This realization prompted her to establish Prayaana Labs in October 2017, creating an Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Innovation Ecosystem for Women.

Efforts and Growth

The journey toward establishing Prayaana Labs was not straightforward. Chandra faced significant challenges, including a lack of support from her family and the initial financial burden of starting a business with an investment of just Rs 3 lakhs. The situation was further complicated when the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 hit shortly after the launch. Despite these hurdles, Chandra demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

During the lockdown, Prayaana Labs pivoted to utilize virtual platforms effectively. One of their most successful initiatives was the launch of "The Future Talk," a webinar series on YouTube that featured around 60 episodes covering a variety of topics, including yoga, financial freedom, mental health, and design thinking. This series provided a platform for experts to share knowledge and engage with a broader audience, thereby increasing the visibility and relevance of Prayaana Labs.

As Prayaana Labs grew, Chandra secured the support of several mentors, including Keziah Thomas, Jessica Mundroina, and Lalitha Mathew. Together, they began organizing career sessions for young women on college campuses, aiming to inspire and equip them with the necessary skills for their professional journeys. The Comeback 2 Career Mission, launched in mid-2018, specifically targets homemakers who wish to re-enter the corporate world. This initiative focuses on coaching women, helping them develop skills and confidence to navigate the workplace effectively.

To enhance networking opportunities among women, Prayaana Labs also launched the Prayaana Hub, an initiative designed to connect women and facilitate professional relationships. Initially active in Ernakulam, Kochi, the hub is now expanding to major cities across India, with plans to reach tier 2 and tier 3 cities soon. Currently, there are 25 Prayaana ambassadors and 15 fellows who work closely with Chandra, supporting women in their professional endeavors.

Impact

The impact of Prayaana Labs has been significant. In just two years, the organization has conducted free orientation sessions for approximately 20,000 women and girls across South India. This outreach is complemented by the development of an online community platform that connects women professionals, students, and entrepreneurs with companies looking to diversify their teams.

One of the key initiatives is Prayaana Collective, an e-commerce platform currently in its pilot stage. This platform allows around 50 women entrepreneurs from the Prayaana network to showcase their products, while homemakers can promote items as affiliates. This not only provides a revenue stream for these women but also empowers them to build their brands and reach a wider audience.

Prayaana Labs also organizes exhibitions through its branch, SheMarkets, where women entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services directly to potential customers. This initiative has proven invaluable for many small business owners, providing them with visibility and opportunities to engage with their target markets.

The success of these various initiatives led to the publication of SheSight, a magazine dedicated to showcasing the talents of homemakers and businesswomen. This publication serves as a platform for women to share their stories, insights, and achievements, inspiring others in the community.

In recognition of her efforts and contributions, Chandra Vadhana has received several grants from organizations such as the Kerala Startup Mission and the US State Department in 2018. She was also honored with the UNCTAD Empretec Women in Business Award, which acknowledged her initiatives to train and enhance the skills of women and girls.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, Chandra Vadhana is committed to continuing her mission of empowering women. She regularly conducts online and offline meetings with ambassadors and fellows, mentoring them in coaching girls and women on their professional journeys. Prayaana Labs is actively working to organize campaigns that promote local products, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which seeks to foster self-reliance in India.

Another initiative, the InvestHERs community, is in the preliminary stages of development. This program aims to build a network of investors interested in supporting businesses led by women. By connecting these entrepreneurs with potential funding opportunities, InvestHERs seeks to strengthen the economic empowerment of women.

Despite the many challenges Chandra has faced, her determination to empower women to reclaim their careers and pursue their dreams remains steadfast. With a goal of reaching one million women by 2030, Prayaana Labs is making significant strides toward enhancing gender equity in the workforce.

By addressing systemic barriers and creating a supportive ecosystem, Prayaana Labs represents a vital step in empowering women and enhancing the country’s economy on a global scale. As Chandra continues her work, she inspires countless women to envision a future where they can thrive both personally and professionally, driving progress for themselves and their communities. Through initiatives like Prayaana Labs, the dream of self-reliance and empowerment for women is becoming increasingly attainable, promising a brighter future for generations to come.