Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, (MKSSS), has established two hostels for working women in Pune - Mahila Niwas at Deccan Gymkhana, established in 1953, Mahila Niwas at Natubaug, established in 1981 and Pune Municipal Corporation has given us its working women hostel near Bajirao Road which was established in 2002 to run on rental basis.

At present, women have started working at various levels and are shouldering work load with men. These carrier oriented women started moving to other cities in search for jobs and for better prospects. Moving to new cities or even moving interstate is not easy, especially for women due to social binding and mindset of the community. This generates many problems for carrier minded working women. The first among all is ‘safe shelter’ where women can stay without any fear and worries. Hence, MKSSS has established working women hostels taking into consideration today’s need of the society.

These hostels are well equipped with all necessary and modern amenities. A separate kitchen, well-ventilated dining hall, pantry, a recreation hall, comfortable living rooms and solar water heater system is provided at reasonable rates. These hostels provide a safe and comfortable accommodation for about 225 working women.

Working women from different sections of the society with varied socio- economic background avail the hostel facility for accommodation. Their work areas range from IT sector, Medical, Engineering, banking to insurance sector and more. The hostelites therefore come across diverse cultures and get acquainted with the latest trends and norms in the society. Safe living condition, hygienic surrounding, quality food helped them to move towards their goals.

Festivals like Diwali, Gudipadwa, Ganpati and Navratri are celebrated along with the occasions that take place on the 26th January and 15th August.

Moving further, Samstha took another decision to extend a helping hand to working women in the city by starting a day care centre for children known as ‘Swanand Palnaghar’, introduced in June 2004. A crèche which was started on the 14th June got good response. Due to satellite family structure and both parents working, this was an extremely essential service.

Considering children’s psychology and mood, preparation for pre-primary school study is taken in the crèche in a simple way. Nursery rhymes and occasional stories are narrated daily to the children. It also contains sanskar varga for grooming children in a good environment.

The children in the crèche are also enjoying various festivals such as Diwali, Ganeshotsav, and Palkhi. A crush anniversary day is also celebrated in the crèche. Medicines for minor illnesses are also provided by crush staff for children. A base for spiritual growth of children is started through chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivay’, Shri swami Samarth and Gayatri Mantra. Facility of hot water and milk is also provided by crèche staff to children. All these activities are carried under our active guidance and support of Mrs. Minal Vaidya.