Accessing higher education remains a significant challenge for women with disabilities, who face systemic, structural, and social barriers that hinder their academic and professional aspirations. Financial constraints, lack of accessible transportation, and digital inaccessibility in application processes are just some of the obstacles they encounter. Additionally, the higher costs of education, coupled with the gendered impact of these challenges, result in fewer women with disabilities enrolling in higher education institutions.
At Rising Flame, we recognise the urgent need to level the playing field and create an inclusive educational ecosystem where women with disabilities can thrive. To bridge this gap, we launched the RISE Scholarship, a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting women with disabilities in higher education. This scholarship provides them with the financial resources, accessibility support, and opportunities they need to achieve their academic dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
Scholarship Details
The RISE Scholarship offers support to 15 women with disabilities, each receiving a financial award of Rs. 1.2 lakhs. This funding is designed to cover essential academic and accessibility needs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accessible study materials
- Accommodation support
- Assistive devices and technology (e.g., scanners, braille devices, wheelchairs)
- Interpreter services and other disability support for full participation in academic and extracurricular activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applications were open to:
- Women with disabilities pursuing professional degrees (MBBS, LLB) or postgraduate studies (MD, M.Tech, MBA, M.A, M.Phil, LLM, M.Sc, Ph.D., or equivalent diplomas/degrees).
- Students enrolled in registered institutions.
- Students studying in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kochi, Hyderabad, or Kolkata.
- Applicants passionate about higher education and achieving their dreams.
Selection Process
The application form was made available in English, Hindi, and Indian Sign Language, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of applicants. We received 38 applications from candidates across various disability categories, including blindness, low vision, locomotor disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, and mental illness.
After a thorough shortlisting process, 15 winners were selected by an esteemed jury. The jury included:
- Yamini Atmavilas – Director, Dasra
- Elsa Marie D’Silva – Founder, Red Dot Foundation
- Sandhya Limaye – Associate Professor, TISS
Meet the RISE Scholarship Winners
- Afna Sharin (22, Low Vision, Telangana) – Pursuing an MSc in Chemistry, University of Hyderabad.
- Alice Abraham (30, Low Vision, Hyderabad) – Pursuing a PhD in Gender Studies, University of Hyderabad.
- Fatima (23, Low Vision, Telangana) – Pursuing an MSc in Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad.
- Bathula Tirumala Sai Pavani (25, Blind, Secunderabad) – Pursuing an MBA, Osmania University, Hyderabad.
- Hoineilhing Doungel (23, Blind, Manipur) – Pursuing a B.Ed, Lourdes College of Education, Bengaluru.
- Kavita Rajesh Waghere (25, Blind, Pune) – Pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune.
- Nishra Doshi (18, Blind, Mumbai) – Pursuing a BCA, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
- Preeti Yadav (22, Locomotor Disability, Rajasthan) – Pursuing a BA LLB, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
- Rangrez Husna Shaikh Ishaque (29, Locomotor Disability, Maharashtra) – Pursuing a PhD, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University.
- Saswati Sahoo (20, Locomotor Disability, Gujarat) – Pursuing an MA in Society & Culture, IIT Gujarat.
- Shirin Latif Patel (21, Blind, Mumbai) – Pursuing an LL.B, Vidya Prasarak Mandal’s TMC Law College, Mumbai.
- Sneha Das Gupta (33, Hearing Impaired, Kolkata) – Pursuing a PhD, TISS, Mumbai.
- Sumalatha V (28, Locomotor Disability, Bangalore) – Pursuing CA, ICAI, Bangalore.
- Sumayyam M. Thasneam (37, Locomotor Disability, Kerala) – Pursuing a PhD, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam.
- Vaishali Sanjay Gopnarayan (22, Blind, Mumbai) – Pursuing an M.A. in Political Science, Kirti M. Doongursee College, Mumbai.
Through the RISE Scholarship, we aim to dismantle barriers and foster an inclusive academic landscape where women with disabilities can learn, grow, and lead. By ensuring equitable access to higher education, we are investing in a future where every woman, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to achieve her full potential and contribute to society.
We are proud to support these remarkable women and look forward to witnessing their journeys of success and impact!