Chennai entrepreneur empowers housewives, provides jobs and freedom

Sankari Sudhar, the founder of Overqualified Housewives, is on a mission to empower qualified women who took a break from the workforce to rejoin and thrive in their careers. A qualified software engineer herself, Sudhar experienced the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, leading her to leave her job and focus on her family. However, she soon felt a sense of emptiness and realized that many women like her were facing similar struggles.

Inspired by the realization that India has a significant number of overqualified housewives with limited job opportunities, Sudhar founded Overqualified Housewives in August 2022. The platform aims to connect skilled women with companies that offer flexible work options, enabling them to leverage their qualifications while managing familial responsibilities.

Since its inception, Overqualified Housewives has facilitated opportunities for over 600 women and upskilled 2,500 others to reenter the workforce. With 26,000 registered users and connections to 600 companies, predominantly startups and SMEs, the platform has become a vital resource for women seeking employment flexibility.

Sudhar’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. While leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to build her network, she encountered companies offering low pay and undervaluing women’s skills. However, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing fair opportunities and refused to onboard clients who didn’t align with her values.

Overqualified Housewives offers various job roles, from content writing to project management, catering to different skill sets and interests. Sudhar emphasizes both freelancing and full-time options, depending on the individual’s preferences and availability. The platform’s success lies in its ability to match women with suitable job opportunities while advocating for their value and expertise.

Despite societal stereotypes and biases, Sudhar remains dedicated to supporting women in reclaiming their self-confidence and achieving financial independence. Through regular upskilling sessions and mentorship programs, Overqualified Housewives equips women with the tools they need to thrive in today’s workforce.

The impact of Sudhar’s initiative extends beyond individual women, benefiting companies like 7 Eagles, a Chennai-based martech firm that has hired interns from the platform and plans to absorb them as full-time employees. This symbiotic relationship highlights the potential for inclusive practices to drive business growth and foster a more equitable society.

As Overqualified Housewives continues to expand its reach and offerings, Sudhar remains focused on her vision of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where women can pursue fulfilling careers and support each other’s professional endeavors.

Repurposed article originally published in Her story