By Atul Lekhra | Programme Incharge
To enable women to come together and voice their concerns, Seva Mandir created an array of platforms available for women. This includes the democratic Self-Help Groups (SHGs). So far, more than 12,000 women are associated with these platforms.
Women’s Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) are integral to our women’s empowerment mission, here at Seva Mandir. By allowing women to unite, SHGs provide women with the opportunity to gain financial freedom, social support and social independence. Having a platform where women compile savings and credit together, ensures a sense of collective responsibility and security which they otherwise might not have. The SHGs also increasingly play an important role in the implementation of many of Seva Mandir’s programmes within communities. Manisha’s story is an example of such success.
Manisha resides with her husband and 2 kids in Alsigarh village of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India. The SHG in Manisha’s village includes Manisha and 13 other women. It was locally well known that Manisha’s stitching was of outstanding precision so many women used to send their clothes to her for stitching.
So, Manisha had a ‘Eureka’ moment and thought to open up a small multipurpose shop in her village. While this would increase her household income and benefit other women with easy access to items like fabrics, makeup, bangles, she pondered how she could see through with this dream.
After meeting with the SHG, she took a loan of Rs. 18,000 ($223) from her group and bought routine household inventory items to sell in her new shop. Over time, Manisha was able to buy more products like shoes, purses and fabrics. As a result of this intervention, Manisha now earns approximately INR 4,000 ($50) to 5,000 ($62) per month, which increases during festive and marriage season. The SHGs empower women, especially in their lowest times. They help women to stay in control of their own lives, maintain their dignity, and most importantly, to provide for their family.
“I am happy that I am part of SHG group. The initial loan has helped me a lot to set up my shop which now is giving good returns. I have repaid my loan and do not have any other debts on me and my family” – says Manisha.
For only $50, you can help train 3 rural women in financial literacy and basic entrepreneurial skills. Please consider donating once or monthly to this cause through: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/fueling-micro-finance-opportunities-in-rural-india/
A heartfelt thank you goes out to you for supporting our efforts in empowering women. The empowerment and autonomy of women is essential for achieving sustainable development. Your donation will build a brighter future for these underprivileged women. Thank you once again.
Regards
Atul Lekhra & the Seva Mandir team
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