New Delhi: According to recent studies, more than 50 per cent of women in India are illiterate, and only 29 per cent of women in India are actively employed. Additionally, those who are employed are paid 46 per cent less than men holding the same positions. To address unmet needs in the community, Plan Care Foundation, an upcoming Non-Profit Organisation, registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act (2013) is working to bridge the gap in socio-economic development. The organisation is committed to empowering and educating women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under these aspirations, they have recently started a Sewing Centre in association with Singer India Ltd., inaugurated by Shri Mahender Yadav (MLA, Vikas Puri Constituency) in a densely populated area of Mohan Garden. They provide Diploma and Certification courses for women/girls where they learn to prepare fabric craft masks, children’s dress material and ladies’ suits under one roof.
The course material has been meticulously crafted for the beneficiaries keeping in mind the goal to ensure that they gain necessary skills, on the state-of-the-art machines like Industrial Sewing Machine and Fashion Maker Machine, also their upkeep and maintenance, guaranteeing their complete self-reliance. From its inception the objective had been to provide sustainable employment opportunities and training, resulting from the numerous surveys in the locality where many women were struggling to make their ends meet. Some of them are widows without any livelihood. Nearly 150 students have been enrolled, and are undergoing regular training in four shifts from 11 am to 4 pm. While the household women join the training during the morning session, the college students pursuing study join post-noon. Ninety per cent are from poor backgrounds which has prompted the organisation to take up an initiative to give them a way of earning their daily bread and sustaining their families.
Plan Care Foundation has also undertaken the work of infrastructure development and capacity building for the MCD primary girls’ schools in West Delhi, which includes providing notice boards in classrooms as well as planning out Smart Classes – something only available now at private schools, to refurbishing the ground floor corridor by painting the ceiling and walls. This is to create an environment of learning and equal 
opportunities regardless of economic background which will bring them at par with the private schools.
They undertook a school beautification project which when completed, was met with resounding praise from the administration. The Principal and faculty were thrilled with the new paintings, graphics, quotes and images of inspiring female leaders that adorned the 
walls. They said that it would not only motivate the students but give them hope to follow their dreams.
Making this event a greater success was a brilliant initiative by the NGO where the hardworking cleaning personnel of the Municipal Corporation Delhi was recognised and facilitated by the Principal.
When asked about the vision of the organisation, Director of Plan Care Foundation, Manjeet Kaur said, “The patriarchy is a system that has been in place for centuries, and it will take more than a few years to upend it. But we believe that change is possible, and we are committed to working towards it. We act as a catalyst for change, bringing about positive transformation in individual lives. This work is not easy, but it is essential. We will continue to fight for equality and justice, even when the odds seem insurmountable. We know that Rome was not built overnight, but we also know that change can happen if we work together towards it. So let us continue to fight the good fight, knowing that our efforts will be making a difference in the world.”
