Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 25: In a powerful example of youth-led social innovation, 16-year-old Varija Daga from Ahmedabad is reshaping the narrative around women’s empowerment through her initiative SheCanFix — a pioneering program designed to equip women with technical skills traditionally dominated by men.
At an age when most teenagers are still exploring their paths, Varija Daga has already launched a grassroots movement focused on employability, dignity, and financial independence for women. Through SheCanFix, she conceptualised and implemented a hands-on training program in air conditioning repair and servicing, directly challenging long-standing gender stereotypes in technical professions.
Recognising the urgent need for skill-based livelihood opportunities for women, Varija Daga collaborated with Kirval Foundation, an NGO committed to community development and social upliftment, to mobilise resources and execute the initiative. Together, they successfully trained a cohort of 13 women, who underwent intensive theoretical and practical sessions under a curriculum designed by Varija herself.
The training program was conducted from 29th April to 24th May, blending classroom instruction with real-world application. Participants gained hands-on experience in equipment handling, repair mechanisms, and industry-ready technical skills in the air conditioning servicing sector. The curriculum included basic electrical and safety training, fault diagnosis and repair of home appliances and wiring systems, detailed technical training on home air conditioners, and an industry exposure visit to ACCEL Industries, Barejadi.
Beyond technical learning, SheCanFix carries a strong social message — that women belong in every workspace, including those historically considered male-dominated. By stepping into a field where female representation remains limited, the participants are not only acquiring a trade but also actively challenging deep-rooted societal norms.
Speaking about her vision, Varija Daga said “Empowerment is not just about conversations — it is about creating opportunities that lead to independence. I wanted women to feel capable of entering spaces where society rarely imagines them. SheCanFix is my attempt to prove that skill has no gender.”
In continuation of the program, a counselling and guidance session has also been planned for the trainees to help them build confidence, understand career pathways, and explore future employment opportunities.
Varija Daga envisions scaling SheCanFix into multiple cohorts across communities, enabling more women to access unconventional vocational training and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Her long-term goal is to build an ecosystem where women are empowered not by expectations, but by skill, confidence, and opportunity.
The initiative has already begun receiving local appreciation for its innovation and social relevance, especially as it has been spearheaded by a young changemaker demonstrating that impactful leadership knows no age barrier.
The culmination of the first cohort was marked with a convocation ceremony attended by Deputy Mamlatdar (Daskroi) Shrimati Renukaben Patni and the honourable Sarpanch of the local village, highlighting community and administrative support for the initiative.
In an era seeking authentic stories of youth leadership, Varija Daga and SheCanFix stand as a compelling reminder that meaningful change begins with action.
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