We have noted earlier that one of the key areas of activities related to health is that of mother and childcare. If such activities are aimed at empowering a woman physically then the formation of Self-Help-Groups (SHG) and provision of micro-financial services can be seen as an attempt to empower women economically. The guiding principle being followed is that women should have an equal amount of power regarding decision-making in the family, especially economic decisions.

We think that poor women too can save money, calculate interest rates and do business. Through this programme are saving money on a regular basis, many of them have started to take loans and use them for productive purposes. This has boosted their self-confidence and therefore they are also addressing various social issues especially related to injustice against women.

It is too early to say how far the women have been empowered and how far they are taking key roles in decision making process. But there is no doubt that the idea of SHG has gained popularity and so far more than 300 groups have been formed, altogether involving about 5000 women. The number far exceeds the expectation when Swanirvar started working with CARE. The SHGs are regularly receiving knowledge, training and exposure so that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge in order to challenge gender hierarchies.

It is also premature to say whether the 'business' of providing credit facilities to the women in order to substantially improve their economic conditions would be able to become sustainable or not. This remains a crucial challenge before Swanirvar in the near future.

The 2001-2002 figures for the Microfinance programme

News Flash!

November 27, 2005

Ananda Bazar

Patrika

English Translation

(MS Word)

Bengali Op-Ed piece (PDF)

on SHIKSHAMITRA