- Research & Conference Papers
Making Non-Traditional Livelihoods Work for the Marginalized
The International Conference brought together over 200 participants from 20 countries in New Delhi, addressing gender disparities in skill development and employment and highlighting NTL's critical role in advancing equitable access to decent jobs through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Conference (15-18 January, 2019) began with an inaugural dinner on 15th January 2019. Kamla Bhasin, renowned poet activist and feminist gave the inaugural speech where she introduced about Azad and Sakha and set the context of the International Conference as an initiative for creating synergies, building networks to work towards promotion of non-traditional livelihoods. On the cold January evening of the inaugural dinner, Kamla Bhasin’s vivacious greetings spread cheer and warmth as she addressed the gathering saying “This is what a global international gathering of people who love Equality, Justice, Sustainable Livelihoods, Peace and Love, should look like. This is what Feminist Solidarity looks like. This is what hope for a better world looks like.”
Talking about Azad and Sakha she congratulated them on the completion of 10 years of their journey and shared that “Friends I wish to congratulate Azad and Sakha. For a 10-year-old organization, their growth has been phenomenal. Their growth is impressive because their team is impressive. Their team is impressive because their vision and strategies are impressive. Friends, I know Azad quite well. Azad and Sakha have been walking on two strong legs of Action and Theory; action and reflection. They strive through their day to day mundane activities; and they do exciting campaigns as well. They work alone and they work with networks.” She mentioned how working on Non-Traditional Livelihoods was the need of the hour as gaps in skills are leading to gaps in employment, ultimately resulting in gaps in wages. Hence, she raised a collective slogan asking everyone gathered to join and commit how they will work towards changing mindsets, changing practices that promote gaps in gender parity saying, No more gaps now! Do you agree? Then please say ‘no more’ loudly and with conviction and the gathering cheered in response.
“Gender gaps – no more no more
Gaps in skills, gaps in wages – no more no more
Women in least skilled jobs – no more no more
Women in least paid jobs – no more no more
Women last to be hired – no more no more
Women first to be fired – no more no more
So again, Unfair gender division of roles – no more no more!”
