Nari Shashktikaran in Gujarat: Empowering Women Through SHGs and Community Leadership
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an effective tool for women’s empowerment, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. They not only provide financial access but also build confidence, decision-making skills, and leadership capacity among women. In Gujarat, our organization is actively strengthening Nari Shashktikaran by supporting SHG formation, training, and linking women to income and leadership opportunities across Ambaji, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Abu Road, and Ahmedabad. Through structured, localized programs, we help women move from dependency to independence — socially and economically. What Are Self-Help Groups (SHGs)? Self-Help Groups are small, voluntary associations of 10–20 women who come together for mutual financial and social support. SHGs: Collect small, regular savings from members Provide internal loans at low interest Facilitate training in financial management Serve as platforms for collective decision-making and problem-solving Over time, SHGs become a base for women to gain exposure, access credit, start businesses, and lead change in their communities. Ambaji: SHGs Focused on Home-Based Work and Savings
In Ambaji, women traditionally did not have access to formal financial systems. We helped form SHGs that focus on: Weekly savings and internal loans Skills like tailoring, papad-making, and handicrafts Linking to government schemes and subsidy programs These SHGs are helping women earn small but consistent incomes while managing household expenses with greater confidence. Banaskantha: Agriculture and Dairy SHGs for Rural Women In Banaskantha, most women contribute informally to agriculture and livestock but are not financially independent. Our SHGs support: Training in animal husbandry and milk production Credit access for purchasing livestock or equipment Market linkage for selling surplus products Women here are now building collective bargaining power and are able to invest in productive assets through their groups. Mehsana: SHGs for Digital and Small Business Initiatives In Mehsana, younger women are looking for digital and homebased income opportunities. Our SHGs in the region focus on: Digital literacy and mobile banking Training in online product selling (WhatsApp, Instagram, Meesho)
Collaborative purchasing of materials and tools This group-based model allows women to reduce costs, share knowledge, and support each other’s ventures. Abu Road: SHGs Empowering Tribal Women Through Crafts and Health Abu Road’s tribal communities benefit from SHGs that integrate traditional skills and health awareness. Our programs include: SHGs trained in bamboo craft, embroidery, and beadwork Group health sessions on hygiene and nutrition Support to attend exhibitions and access urban buyers These women are improving their incomes and becoming respected voices in their communities. Ahmedabad: SHGs for Urban Poor Women in Slums and Resettlement Colonies In Ahmedabad, we work with SHGs in low-income urban areas where women face challenges like domestic instability and job scarcity. Our work includes: SHG-based skill training in tailoring, beauty, and food services Financial education for savings, budgeting, and credit Group-based access to health checkups and legal aid These SHGs are transforming women into financially capable and socially aware citizens.
Key Benefits of SHG-Based Empowerment Regular savings and access to low-interest loans Confidence to speak in public and engage in community discussions Increased access to government subsidies, pensions, and training Collective support in emergencies and income generation Pathway to political awareness and leadership roles Developing Community Leaders Through SHGs As SHGs mature, members often take on leadership roles, including: Managing group finances and records Representing SHGs in village councils Coordinating with banks, NGOs, and government officials Training new SHGs or mentoring other women This leadership experience helps women become more assertive, informed, and capable of influencing decisions at the community level. Our Turnkey Approach to SHG Empowerment We provide full-cycle SHG support that includes: Mobilization and group formation
Financial training and operational tools Income activity planning Leadership and communication workshops Linkage to institutions, banks, and markets This model ensures that SHGs remain functional, productive, and scalable over time. How You Can Support This Work You can contribute to the growth of women-led SHGs by: Sponsoring training or toolkits for SHGs Partnering with us on CSR or community outreach Volunteering to offer skill or finance training Helping market products made by SHG members Sharing awareness in your network to increase visibility Conclusion SHGs are more than savings groups — they are platforms for transformation. Across Gujarat, women in Ambaji, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Abu Road, and Ahmedabad are using SHGs to improve their economic status, health awareness, and community influence. With the right support, these small groups lead to large-scale impact.
