Bringing reform with beauty

Dhyaas Foundation’s beauty course in Satara Central Jail aims to empower incarcerated women and reform them. Dr Vaijayanti Otari, Founder, Dhyaas Foundation, shares details about this unique initiative.

Ina world where second chances are rare, Dhyaas Foundation’s transformative beauty course at Satara Central Jail comes as a silver lining. A skill-building initiative, it empowers the women serving sentences to reclaim their lives with renewed dignity and independence.

“The idea for this unique initiative came from a deep understanding of the challenges women face upon re-entering society after incarceration. Many inmates struggle to find meaningful employment, which makes reintegration difficult. We at Dhyaas Foundation recognised this gap and stepped in with a mission to equip marginalised women with practical, employable skills, giving them the tools to reclaim their lives with dignity and independence,” said Dr Vaijayanti Otari, Founder, Dhyaas Foundation.

The beauty course, covering everything from basic grooming techniques to advanced hairstyling, was designed not just to teach but to inspire. “We wanted to ensure the course not only built skills but also boosted their confidence. The inmates have embraced the training with passion, their initial hesitation melting away as they learned new techniques and expressed their creativity. For many, this programme became more than just a class—it was a fresh start, a chance to rewrite their narrative,” she explained.

“For many, THIS PROGRAMME became more than just a CLASS— it was AFRESH START, a chance to REWRITE their NARR ATIVE.”

SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE

The road to making this programme a reality wasn’t without its hurdles. Organising the initiative required careful planning, navigating permissions, ensuring safety protocols, and working closely with prison authorities. The programme is funded entirely through a self-crowdfunding campaign, and while it’s been a success, it still requires more support to maintain its momentum.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the collaboration with skilled beauty professionals, who volunteered their time to provide hands-on mentorship. These industry experts have been instrumental in guiding the women, offering not just technical skills but also the encouragement and support needed to grow their confidence.

The impact of the programme is clear. Inmates have not only learned valuable vocational skills but have also experienced a boost in self-esteem. For many, the newfound sense of purpose is a life-changing shift. The transformation was not just in the skillset, but in their attitude towards themselves.

“One particularly memorable moment involved a participant who, once hesitant, proudly styled a fellow inmate’s hair, receiving applause from the group—a symbol of her newfound confidence and the power of the programme,” Dr Otari narrated.

The initiative has sparked a ripple effect, with many women requesting continued support after their release, hoping to carry forward what they have learned into the next phase of their lives. In fact, the Dhyaas Foundation is already exploring the possibility of expanding this course to other prisons, aiming to bring empowerment to more incarcerated women across the region.

The Superintendent of Police (name withheld on request), Satara Central Jail, mentioned that regular training schedules and practical learning sessions instill discipline. These courses often emphasise professionalism, punctuality and responsibility, which contribute to positive behavioural changes.

“We believe the beauty industry can play a key role in the success of these programmes. The beauty industry can support by providing training materials, expertise and post-release employment opportunities, giving women a chance to reintegrate into society with new skills and renewed hope,” added Dr Otari.

The success of this programme highlights the potential for change when communities come together to support marginalised groups. As Dhyaas Foundation continues to champion the cause of ‘a second chance’ for these women, it invites more industry professionals to step up and help create a world where everyone, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive.

- As told to Priyanka Parshurami