Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a pivotal role in rural women’s empowerment, fostering collective action, solidarity, and financial independence. According to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), SHGs have positively impacted over 10 million women in India. Leveraging this impactful model, the Sustainable Development Society, in collaboration with Dabur India Limited’s CSR programme, has effectively reached 1654 women, with a multifaceted approach aimed at achieving several key outcomes.
The primary goals of our SHG initiatives are manifold. Firstly, we strive to enable women to attain economic independence by providing them with viable employment opportunities. Additionally, we facilitate access to credit and group savings options, fostering financial empowerment among women. Through the SHG platform, we also aim to cultivate mutual support and social cohesiveness among group members, thereby strengthening community bonds. Moreover, our efforts are geared towards increasing women's participation in decision-making processes at various levels, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
Our strategy revolves around the implementation of women-centric initiatives grounded in participatory and sustainable development principles. By empowering women through SHGs, we envision driving positive change within communities, promoting economic resilience, and fostering long-term empowerment. As part of our ongoing efforts, 41 women have recently joined as members of new Self-Help Groups, marking a significant step towards our overarching objectives of women's empowerment and community development.