How ngos are supporting women’s work-life harmony in india

08/09/25

Blog

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The Evolving Role of Women and the Need for Balance

As more and more women step into the workforce across India, balancing careers, families, and personal aspirations has become a daily act of juggling. Whether it’s a young mother working in a small-town enterprise, a professional commuting across a bustling city, or a home-based entrepreneur managing orders and her children’s schoolwork, women are constantly navigating the delicate line between home and work.

In this scenario, work life balance for women is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. And NGOs are rising to meet this need by providing grassroots-level support, access to essential services, and advocating for systemic change. Their role is proving critical in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive—not just survive.

1. Promoting Flexible Work Arrangements

One of the most effective ways to support work life balance for women is to enable flexible work arrangements. For women, particularly those in underserved communities, traditional full-time employment often clashes with caregiving responsibilities. NGOs have stepped in to bridge this gap.

Through upskilling, self-help groups, and small-scale enterprise initiatives, many NGOs are helping women build careers on their own terms. These efforts allow women to earn while also managing their homes. Whether it’s tailoring units, food processing collectives, or digital literacy programmes, the focus is on giving women control over their time and income.

2. Expanding Childcare Support in Communities

A significant barrier for working mothers is the lack of childcare support. When safe, affordable childcare is unavailable, women are often forced to choose between their career and their child’s well-being.

Several NGOs have introduced community-based childcare centres, mobile crèches, and after-school support programmes. These initiatives provide a safe, nurturing environment for children, enabling mothers to work or study with peace of mind. It’s a simple yet powerful intervention that directly contributes to both a child’s development and a mother’s autonomy.

3. Offering Mental Health Support and Stress Management Resources

The mental load of balancing personal and professional responsibilities can lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and burnout. For women without family support or access to mental healthcare, the impact can be particularly severe.

Read Also: Understanding Causes of Gender Discrimination & Inequality in India

NGOs across India have begun integrating stress management practices into their women-focused programmes. From group therapy sessions and helplines to workshops on emotional well-being, these initiatives are helping women cope better with the pressures of daily life. Creating safe spaces to speak up and seek support can make a world of difference.

4. Encouraging Shared Responsibility at Home

Gender equality is central to sustainable work-life harmony. When caregiving and domestic duties are seen as shared responsibilities, women are better positioned to pursue their goals without guilt or burnout.

Many NGOs are working to challenge traditional gender roles through community education, storytelling, and awareness campaigns. By engaging men and boys in conversations about equality and shared responsibilities, these efforts are slowly but surely shifting the narrative around “women’s work”.

5. Supporting Women’s Career Advancement Through Education and Skilling

To move beyond survival and towards career advancement, women need access to skill development and learning opportunities. This is where NGOs have been instrumental—by providing education, vocational training, and mentoring to women and girls across different age groups.

From financial literacy to digital skills, tailoring to mobile repair, NGOs are enabling women to enter the workforce or start their own businesses. This not only empowers the individual but also improves the overall quality of life for their families and communities.

6. Strengthening Time Management and Self-Confidence

Alongside external support, building personal capacities like time management and self-confidence can be transformative. NGOs often include these elements in their empowerment programmes, offering training on productivity, setting goals, managing stress, and balancing priorities.

These soft skills help women take charge of their routines and assert their needs more confidently, whether at home, in the workplace, or in community spaces.

A More Balanced Tomorrow

When women are supported in their personal and professional roles, the positive ripple effects are felt across entire families and communities. Children grow up in more secure and nurturing environments. Economies grow stronger. And society moves closer to true gender equality.

While challenges still exist, such as a lack of infrastructure, rigid social norms, and limited access to opportunities, the collective efforts of NGOs and the Government of India are driving meaningful change. By focusing on local needs and long-term empowerment, they are helping countless women across India live fuller, more balanced lives.

Our Commitment at Bal Raksha Bharat

At Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children), we believe that a woman’s empowerment uplifts not just her own life, but also the lives of her children and the community around her. Our vision for change starts with creating a safe, inclusive environment for children and families, especially those from marginalised backgrounds.

As a leading child protection NGO, we actively work to:

• Empower girls and boys through quality education and life skills
• Equip young women with tools for career advancement through vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes
• Provide access to safe spaces, psychosocial support, and community-led protection initiatives
• Promote gender equality through awareness, advocacy, and action
• Create income-generation opportunities for women that allow flexibility, dignity, and long-term impact

We are committed to ensuring that every woman, girl, and child has the right to safety, health, education, and opportunity. Because we know that when women thrive, children flourish—and so does society as a whole.

You can be a part of this change with online donation our programmes that empower girls and boys with education and protection, and by contributing to initiatives that help women gain skills and earn with dignity. Every contribution helps us build safer, more balanced futures for vulnerable communities.

FAQs

1. Why is work-life balance important for women in India?

   Work life balance for women enables them to fulfil personal and professional roles without compromising their well-being. It’s essential for their health, economic independence, and ability to care for their families.

2. How do NGOs help working mothers in rural or underserved areas?

   NGOs support women through skilling, flexible income opportunities, childcare services, and mental health support. These initiatives enable women to work while managing family duties effectively.

3. What kind of jobs or skills do NGOs offer to women?

   From tailoring, food production, and farming to digital training, financial literacy, and home-based entrepreneurship, NGOs offer a wide range of skill-building opportunities.

4. How does supporting women affect children’s lives?

   When mothers are financially and emotionally stable, children benefit from better nutrition, healthcare, education, and emotional support. Supporting women is a direct investment in child welfare and protection.

Naveen Kumar

“Naveen is an SEO expert and digital marketing analyst at Bal Raksha Bharat with a passion for helping businesses grow online. With a data-driven approach, he specializes in boosting search rankings, driving traffic, and optimizing digital strategies. Follow for tips on SEO, content, and marketing trends."