Barhiya, Lakhisarai In the heart of Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, a transformative initiative is underway, led by the MaMri Foundation, co-founded by Marie Chanel Gillier and her partner, Mrinal Madhav. The foundation’s Computer Literacy Program is not just teaching digital skills but also reshaping the lives of countless women and girls in Barhiya, aiming to bring gender equality to a region long marked by limited opportunities for women.
A Vision for Empowerment
Marie Chanel Gillier, a social entrepreneur with a passion for women’s empowerment, and Mrinal Madhav, a dedicated advocate and social worker belonging to Barhiya, have combined their visions under the MaMri Foundation to equip women with the digital skills needed to break traditional gender barriers, providing them with tools to achieve economic independence and self-reliance.
It is a unique approach merging technology with grassroots activism. The Computer Literacy Program, launched earlier this year, targets girls and women from underprivileged backgrounds. These women, often limited by societal norms, are now learning how to operate computers, navigate the internet, and explore opportunities for employment and education that were previously out of reach.
In rural Bihar, the digital divide has long been a challenge. Many girls are denied access to education due to financial and cultural constraints, with technology often seen as out of reach. The MaMri Foundation’s initiative has stepped in to fill this gap, offering free computer training classes in Barhiya’s local community centers. The program covers basic computing, internet literacy, and digital communication, giving participants the skills needed to pursue higher education or vocational training.
“We believe that digital literacy is a powerful tool for empowerment,” says Marie Chanel Gillier. “In today’s world, access to technology is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. By teaching these skills to girls and women, we’re not only enhancing their employability but also giving them the confidence to dream bigger.”
The impact of the MaMri Foundation’s efforts is already evident. Rani Kumari, a 19-year-old from Barhiya, shares her journey: “Before the program, I had never touched a computer. I always believed that technology was for boys. Now, I can operate a computer, browse the internet, and even help my younger siblings with their studies. I feel more confident about my future.”
Many participants have expressed similar sentiments, with some even pursuing higher education in technology fields. The program is also helping older women in the community, allowing them to learn essential skills like online banking and digital communication, enabling them to manage household finances independently.
A Step Towards Gender Equality
For Mrinal Madhav, who has long been an advocate for women’s rights in the region, this initiative is more than just a skills development program—it is a step toward achieving gender equality in a deeply patriarchal society. “By empowering women with digital skills, we’re challenging the traditional roles they’ve been confined to. We’re showing them that they have the same rights and opportunities as men, and that they can be active contributors to the economy,” says Mrinal. When asked how he got the idea for the this initiative, he stressed on the fact that helping Marie Chanel in her life’s personal problems led him to get a better perspective of Women and their Problems and to understand why Financial Independence of Women is a necessity today. “We are grateful to Ekayana Travel Private Limited, a delhi based Tourism Company, for having donated 10 Computers, which enabled us to start the initiative, as also my wife Nikita Ved for giving us her valuable knowledge in starting the campaign, said Mrinal Madhav.
The MaMri Foundation is also collaborating with local schools and government bodies to extend the reach of the program. They hope to create more employment opportunities for women in Barhiya by connecting them with companies and organizations in need of digitally skilled employees. The foundation’s future plans include expanding the program to neighboring villages, ensuring that more women across Lakhisarai district benefit from this initiative.
This campaign is a beacon of hope for many women and girls in Barhiya. By equipping them with the tools of the digital age, they are not only providing opportunities for personal and professional growth but also planting the seeds for long-term gender equality in the region. With each new participant, the digital divide narrows, and the vision of a more just and equal society becomes a step closer to reality. The foundation is being assisted by many professionals and industrial houses which have pledged their support to this initiative. Manas Piyush CA of PMH Associates in Delhi who not only is a donor but also a perspective employer says “I am waiting to hire accountants from this centre”. Towards achieving this goal, focus will also shift towards Skill Development through use of Technology, but one step at a time, says Mrinal.
