Multiplier Impact Study for a fellowship program for young women in rural Bihar

The i-Saksham fellowship is a flagship program of i-Saksham Education and Learning Foundation run for young women between the age group of 18-35 years. This initiative, operating in Bihar,  an economically disadvantaged region of India, specifically aimed to empower young women through a leadership-building fellowship. This study focused on the impact of the fellowship on the young women and their surroundings. . Utilizing a gender-focused approach, this evaluative research delved beyond numbers, exploring the complex social dynamics shaping participants’ lives. Through in-depth interviews, we examined various aspects including mobility, digital access, social connections, agency, and choice. Our immersive evaluation uncovered that while the program provided valuable skills, its true impact on empowering these women relied heavily on enhancing their social connections and capacity. The research highlighted the multifaceted nature of social inequalities these women encountered. It illuminated how prevalent societal norms, gender biases, and limited access to social networks impeded their journey toward empowerment. This report functioned as a blueprint guiding the development of the next cohort’s fellowship journey and aided i-Saksham’s leadership team in decision-making.