16-Year-Old Varija Daga from Ahmedabad Challenges Gender Norms Through “SheCanFix” Initiative
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.
