Poverty is multifaceted.

A job that improves income is just a starting point for someone in extreme poverty. To truly create a sustainable pathway out of poverty, dignified jobs address the socio-economic factors that contribute to the marginalization of individuals and communities. 

Jobs that go beyond income to provide safety, stability, inclusivity, and meaningful rewards are crucial for people in poverty to earn a dignified living.

1. Safe Jobs

While investing in social businesses that create dignified jobs, we look for companies that have a safe and supportive environment for their jobholders — including opportunities for upward mobility and to improve their homes and communities.

Among the many jobholders that our portfolio companies support, Hitesh is one of those who found safety and security through a dignified job at Tamul Plates. He grew up in a rural village in Assam where having a strong, solid home is a distant dream for many — but dignified work enabled him to build a safe house for his family.

2. Stable Jobs

We also look for companies that pay their jobholders fairly, consistently, and on a predictable schedule, bringing stability in their lives to access essential amenities, improving the standard of their living, and even saving money. We especially look to invest in businesses outside of Tier 1 cities so that people don’t have to migrate from their hometowns to earn a good living.

Karthik’s story speaks volumes about the transformative power of dignified jobs that small and growing businesses create in developing and underdeveloped areas of India.

3. Inclusive Jobs

At Upaya, our motto is to invest in dignified jobs for all. Therefore, we look for companies that open their jobs to anyone who may struggle to find work and that pay equally, irrespective of their age, gender, caste, or religion. 

Nagamma, a young, single mother, had to earn a living due to the untimely death of her husband. Her path was illuminated by an inclusive and equitable job at Nugu Handmade where she found support, respect and a sense of community.

4. Rewarding Jobs

We also believe that work must be rewarding, fulfilling, and purposeful to be dignified. 

Sanju has a job as a woman rickshaw driver that she says gave her strength and dignity, and enabled her to stand independently. Although seeing a woman rickshaw driver is still an uncommon sight in India, it didn’t stop Sanju. She has been driving an auto rickshaw for a few years now and earning her own living, thanks to SMV Green. Her daughter, her family, and her community look up to her — all because of a dignified job.

ABOUT UPAYA SOCIAL VENTURES:

Upaya Social Ventures is a nonprofit organization building an inclusive economy by providing investment and support to early-stage businesses creating dignified jobs for people living in the most extreme poverty.

Upaya’s award-winning, impact-first model seeks out and supports oft-overlooked companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding—generating a transformative impact on families, communities, and economies.

Since its founding in 2011, Upaya’s portfolio companies have created over 44,000 dignified jobs across India. Please visit upayasv.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Madlin Dsilva
mdsilva@upayasv.org