Livelihoods for All

Ashoka's Livelihoods for All started with the intention of scaling up the innovative ideas of Ashoka Fellows and catalyzing a shift in the paradigm of thought within the livelihoods sector.  As part of this programme, there is also a focus on bringing women back into the workforce and putting them at the center across different domains of skilling and livelihoods ecosystem in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. This initiative is an impact multiplier that aims to bring about systemic change in the livelihoods landscape by establishing synergies, fostering collaboration, and advancing eco-system development. Moreover, the initiative will also enable governments, businesses, media houses, citizen sector organisations, and grassroots communities to step up and lead the battle against the New Inequality.

We recognise the need for efficiency in repetition and firmly believe in the vision of "Everyone a Changemaker" where people continue to embrace change and step up to lead change-making initiatives. At the heart of this vision lies, our undiluted willingness to pivot, align and propagate System Change.

We look forward to collaborating with you to bring about a world of opportunity and dignity for all.

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Pathways to resilient livelihoods

What are some strategies adopted by organisations to create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the post-COVID-19 livelihoods landscape?

In 2022, we undertook a study with Sattva to understand what it takes to build resilient livelihoods in the backdrop of the pandemic. Spread across three segments - value chain strengthening, employability and microenterprise development, the findings encompass desk-review and key informant interviews with Ashoka Fellows, experts, and industry leaders.

Going beyond the operational models of these organisation, the study underpins the culture followed by the institutions that were able to sustain communities even in the face of crisis and explores the power of networks, infrastructure, and ecosystems towards architecting equitable livelihoods.

Read the report

Project Recap

Discover a treasure trove of information, inspiration and innovative solutions that are shaping the livelihoods sector as you delve into this compendium of newsletters that highlight significant milestones, noteworthy accomplishments and key updates around social innovation.

Discover now

Insights

A crisis is an opportunity to recognise women’s leadership

Prema Gopalan of SSP talks about the role of agriculture in building sustainable livelihoods and the need to build an ecosystem for women to take charge.

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Building a disability-friendly workplace: Why includability matters

To go beyond the differences, leaders must focus on the commonalities between them and the person they are interacting with. To be an includable leader, one must do away with the us-versus-them narrative.

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Understanding what our youth want, not what they need

For the young people of India, employment is not just a financial decision. They want better working conditions and jobs that align with their long-term goals.

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Income shouldn’t be the only measure of livelihoods

When it comes to livelihoods, nonprofits and funders must think beyond income, and invest in community-building, resilience, and self-esteem.

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When women are celebrated, things change

Chetna Gala Sinha of Mann Deshi talks about why we urgently need an ecosystem that provides access to capital, resources, and support for women micro-entrepreneurs.

Explore the article series

Lessons From The Pandemic

Sanjeev Kumar, Founder of The Goat Trust, shares his views on the facets of the programme that saw a new light during the pandemic

The Story of Bhungroo: How a gender centric approach is tackling water shortage in rural India

Biplab Ketan Paul, Co-Founder of Naireeta Services, meticulously explains the power of social capital and tactful innovations

Accelerate

Driving strategies and goals towards system change in the Livelihoods landscape

Amplify

Influencing the Livelihoods narrative in the South Asian Ecosystem

Catalyze

Transforming collaborations into sectoral breakthroughs and mind-set change

"Development has always been about how to help people be powerful. So, if we’re all helping one another be the best possible changemakers, that is, givers, that’s a pretty good world. Everyone has the ability. Everyone has that right. We just have to link arms and make sure that everyone does get that right."

Bill Drayton, Founder and CEO of Ashoka

More in this exclusive interview with Bill Drayton here

Emerging trends

This Youtube playlist gives a glimpse of economic pathways and social change that is emerging through the work of our Fellows and highlights the role of women and youth towards transforming the livelihoods landscape.

Take a look at some exemplary examples of strengthening governance, activating agency, aligning aspirations, empowering ecosystems and promoting durability from the Ashoka network!

Dialogues

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