Rural - Self Help Groups »

Another aspect of the rural initiative is the Self Help Groups (SHG). By putting aside small sums of money the women create their own fund so they do not have to seek help from unscrupulous lenders when they need money to meet their basic needs or want to start their own business. This helps to break the vicious circle that traps these families into poverty and forces parents to put their children to work. Women who did not even dream to step a foot outside the four walls of their house, today they are so empowered that they walk shoulder to shoulder with men and represent their self help groups at meetings and exhibitions of handicrafts that have a pan India presence. Today, they feel so transformed and uplifted that they are confident of traveling alone, opening up a bank account and managing their finances without any assistance from men in their household. The self help group initiative has come a long way. The members run a federation called Jagrit Nari Federation (Empowered women), are becoming entrepreneurs by opening up small businesses. They understand the importance of education. Not only this, are participating actively in the developmental activities of their villages.