After school support for marginalized learners

Empowering Women Through Microcredit: Progress Report from Prime Trust

Overview

The Microcredit Program of Prime Trust continues to serve as a transformative tool to empower underprivileged women in Puducherry. By providing small, interest-free loans, we are enabling women from marginalized communities to launch or expand income-generating activities, achieve financial independence, and uplift their families and communities.

 Program Highlights

Number of Women Benefited: 8000

Total Amount Disbursed: $600,000

Loan Repayment Rate: 98%

Types of Businesses Supported: Tailoring, petty shops, food vending, dairy farming, vegetable selling, and handicrafts.

Each beneficiary undergoes a basic orientation in financial literacy and entrepreneurship before receiving the loan. We conduct regular follow-ups and provide mentorship to ensure the success and sustainability of their businesses.

 Impact Stories

1. Selvi’s (name changed) Tailoring Journey (Name changed)
Selvi, a single mother of two, used the microloan to purchase a sewing machine and raw materials. Within six months, she started receiving steady orders from her community and now earns enough to support her children’s education.

2. Kamala’s (name changed) Vegetable Stall
With a microloan, Kamala expanded her roadside vegetable stall. She now buys in bulk, reducing costs and increasing profit. Kamala’s income has doubled, and she is saving for her daughter's higher education.

 Challenges and Lessons

While the program has seen significant success, a few challenges persist, including delays in repayment due to unforeseen health or family emergencies. We are addressing this by introducing a group accountability system and emergency support options to avoid default without penalizing women harshly.

 Next Steps

Expand the program to reach 50 more women in the next quarter.

Introduce digital tools for record-keeping and market linkage.

Organize monthly skill-building and peer-support meetings.

Conclusion

With support from GlobalGiving and compassionate donors around the world, Prime Trust’s Microcredit Program is changing lives—one woman at a time. We deeply thank you for your continued belief in our mission to promote dignity, self-reliance, and financial empowerment among women.