Welcome to the Institute for Self Management (ISM)
Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities
At the Institute for Self Management (ISM), we believe that empowerment begins with providing the right tools and opportunities to the most vulnerable. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized communities across Tamil Nadu by focusing on women’s development, children’s education, and the rights of unorganized laborers. Our mission is to create a society where equality, dignity, and justice prevail for all.
Who We Are
Established with a vision to uplift those who need it the most, ISM stands at the forefront of social change.
We actively work in the field, addressing critical issues such as child marriage, child labor, gender inequality, and the exploitation of unorganized laborers.
Our Focus Areas
Women’s Empowerment
We equip women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to become self-reliant, economically independent, and active contributors to their communities. Through training programs, workshops, and support groups, we enable women to take charge of their futures.
Children’s Education
Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. ISM provides educational support to underprivileged children, ensuring they have access to quality schooling, mentorship, and resources that allow them to thrive.
Labor Rights and Organizing
Unorganized laborers form the backbone of our society, yet they often lack basic rights and protections. We advocate for their rights, organize them into unions, and provide legal assistance to ensure fair wages, working conditions, and security.
Services
At ISM, our services are designed to uplift marginalized communities by providing access to resources, education, and opportunities. We focus on creating sustainable change through holistic development programs. Below are the key services we offer:
Women’s Skill Development and Empowerment
We provide training programs that focus on building skills for women, enabling them to become financially independent. From vocational training in areas such as tailoring, handicrafts, and computer literacy to leadership development workshops, our goal is to equip women with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Educational Support for Underprivileged Children
Education is a fundamental right, and we ensure that underprivileged children get the support they need to continue their schooling. Our services include providing school supplies, mentoring, tutoring, and scholarships to help children stay in school and succeed academically.
Child Marriage Prevention Initiatives
Child marriage remains a pressing social issue in certain regions of Tamil Nadu. We actively work to prevent child marriages by raising awareness, engaging communities, and providing legal and counseling support to at-risk children and their families.
Organizing and Empowering Unorganized Laborers
Unorganized laborers often face exploitation due to the lack of formal legal protections. We organize these laborers into unions and groups, advocate for their rights, provide them with legal assistance, and help ensure that they receive fair wages and safe working conditions.
Legal Aid and Advocacy
ISM offers free legal assistance to marginalized individuals and communities facing social injustices, including labor disputes, gender-based violence, and land rights issues. Our team works closely with legal professionals to provide guidance and representation to those in need.
Health and Hygiene Awareness Programs
Health is a key focus of our community development initiatives. We conduct regular health camps, offer sanitation and hygiene workshops, and work to provide access to healthcare for underprivileged communities. This includes maternal health support, vaccinations for children, and nutritional programs.
Child Labor Eradication Programs
We are committed to eradicating child labor by ensuring children have access to education and safe environments. Through awareness programs, community interventions, and legal advocacy, we work to rescue children from exploitative labor situations and reintegrate them into the education system.
Community Awareness and Outreach Programs
Our community outreach programs focus on addressing various social issues, including gender equality, environmental sustainability, and economic justice. We regularly organize workshops, seminars, and awareness drives to educate communities about their rights and responsibilities, while fostering social cohesion.
Our Initiatives
01
Workshops & Trainings
Skill development programs aimed at equipping women and laborers with the tools to thrive in their careers and personal lives.
02
Community Outreach
Awareness campaigns and drives to combat child marriage and labor, and promote the rights of unorganized workers.
03
Legal Aid
Support for marginalized communities facing legal challenges, including labor disputes, land rights, and other social issues.
Our Work at the Institute for Self Management (ISM)
At the Institute for Self Management (ISM), our mission is to empower marginalized communities in Tamil Nadu by focusing on women’s development, children’s education, and labor rights. We address pressing social issues such as child marriage, child labor, and the rights of unorganized laborers through a variety of impactful programs.
Our holistic approach ensures that every individual we work with receives the support they need to thrive, and every community is empowered to take charge of their future. Below are the key areas of our work:
Women’s Empowerment
Our women’s empowerment programs are designed to help women from disadvantaged communities become economically self-sufficient. Through vocational training, skill development workshops, and leadership programs, we equip women with the tools and confidence to participate in the local economy and improve their social standing.
Key Initiatives:
- Skill development workshops in tailoring, handicrafts, and entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy programs
- Leadership development and capacity-building seminars
Child Marriage Prevention
Child marriage is a significant issue in many rural areas, and we are committed to stopping this harmful practice. Our awareness campaigns, community outreach, and legal support programs help prevent child marriages and protect the rights of young girls.
Key Initiatives:
- Community awareness workshops
- Legal support for at-risk children and families
- Collaboration with local authorities and organizations
Legal Aid and Advocacy
Social injustice often goes unaddressed in marginalized communities due to a lack of access to legal resources. ISM provides free legal aid to individuals facing issues such as gender-based violence, labor rights violations, and property disputes.
Key Initiatives:
- Legal counseling and representation
- Advocacy for the protection of women’s and children’s rights
- Legal awareness workshops
Education for Underprivileged Children
We believe that every child has the right to a quality education, regardless of their economic or social background. ISM works closely with communities to ensure that children are not only enrolled in school but have access to the materials and mentorship they need to succeed.
Key Initiatives:
- Scholarships and school supplies distribution
- After-school tutoring and mentoring programs
- Advocacy for keeping children in school, especially girls
Organizing Unorganized Laborers
Unorganized laborers in Tamil Nadu often work under poor conditions without legal protection. ISM works to organize these laborers, helping them advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and their basic rights. We also provide legal aid and support to ensure they are treated fairly.
Key Initiatives:
- Formation of labor unions and workers’ groups
- Advocacy for labor rights and policy changes
- Legal support and representation for labor disputes
Health and Hygiene Programs
Access to healthcare and proper hygiene is a major concern for many marginalized families. We work to provide health education, conduct health camps, and improve sanitation conditions in underprivileged areas, focusing on maternal and child health.
Key Initiatives:
- Health camps offering free medical checkups
- Hygiene and sanitation workshops for communities
- Nutritional programs for children and mothers
Our Team
We are proud to introduce the dedicated team behind the Institute for Self Management (ISM). Each member plays a key role in driving our mission to empower marginalized communities, ensuring social justice, education, and gender equality across Tamil Nadu.
Mr. S. Rajesh Kumar
Director
Ms. Anitha Subramanian
Program Manager – Women’s Empowerment
Mr. R. Santhosh Kumar
Head of Child Education Programs
Ms. Meenakshi Sundaram
Legal Advisor
TESTIMONIALS
Words From Happy People
Mrs. Kavitha Ramesh
Beneficiary – Women’s Empowerment Program
“Before joining ISM’s skill development workshops, I had no source of income. Today, I run a small tailoring business and can provide for my family. ISM has not only given me skills but also the confidence to stand on my own. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this organization has provided me.”
Mr. Arjun Kumar
Parent – Educational Support Program
“ISM’s educational programs have been a blessing for my children. With the scholarship and tutoring support, my daughter now dreams of becoming a teacher. Without ISM, it would have been impossible for us to afford her education. Their dedication to empowering children is truly commendable.”
Ms. Priya Sharma
Community Member – Child Marriage Prevention Initiative
“I was at risk of being married off as a teenager. Thanks to ISM’s intervention, I was able to stay in school and avoid child marriage. Today, I am pursuing my college education and looking forward to a bright future. ISM has saved my life and given me hope.”