Nari Shashktikaran in Gujarat: Building Women’s Health and Financial Independence Women’s empowerment is sustainable when it includes both health education and financial independence. In Gujarat, many women still face barriers in accessing basic health services and economic opportunities. Through our structured Nari Shashktikaran (Women Empowerment) programs, we are addressing these gaps across Ambaji, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Abu Road, and Ahmedabad. Our approach focuses on two core areas: Improving women’s health awareness and access Enabling women to earn and manage their own income Why Health and Finance Are Essential for Empowerment Health is the foundation of a woman’s ability to work, raise a family, and participate in the community. Financial independence gives her the confidence and resources to make decisions and plan for the future. Our programs are designed to integrate both elements by offering: Health and hygiene education Menstrual and maternal care awareness Financial literacy training Support for income-generating activities
Access to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and microcredit Ambaji: Focus on Women's Health and Nutrition In Ambaji, we provide health education for women who may not have access to regular medical care. Key initiatives include: Maternal health awareness sessions Distribution of hygiene kits Nutrition education for mothers and children Iron and folic acid supplementation through health workers These efforts help women manage their health and their families’ well-being, while also preparing them for participation in economic programs. Banaskantha: Combining Health Camps with Financial Training Banaskantha is a largely rural district where healthcare access is limited and most women are not financially independent. We run: Mobile health check-up camps Awareness drives on reproductive health SHG meetings that include savings and credit training Basic bookkeeping and group finance management workshops As a result, women are learning how to save, access microloans, and improve their families’ health and income. Mehsana: Financial Literacy and Insurance Awareness
In Mehsana, where some women are already part of the workforce, we focus on improving their financial knowledge. Our programs include: Banking and digital payment training Budgeting and financial planning workshops Introduction to government schemes and insurance benefits Support to start small-scale home businesses These interventions help women manage household budgets and build long-term financial security. Abu Road: Tribal Women’s Health Education and Income Support In tribal areas like Abu Road, women often lack basic health information and access to reliable income. Our approach includes: Weekly health sessions in tribal communities Training in hygienic practices and nutrition Craft-based income generation activities (bamboo, beadwork, embroidery) Connecting tribal women to urban markets for better pricing This combination enables women to care for themselves and contribute financially without leaving their villages. Ahmedabad: Urban Women’s Health and Income Programs
In urban low-income areas of Ahmedabad, women face challenges related to both health and economic instability. We offer: Awareness sessions on family planning, hygiene, and legal rights Tailoring and cooking-based entrepreneurship support Access to microfinance and SHGs Guidance for applying to health insurance and government welfare schemes This integrated model helps women become more stable, informed, and independent in their daily lives. Outcomes and Measurable Impact We’ve observed measurable improvements in communities where both health and financial empowerment are addressed: Increase in SHG participation and savings Reduction in health issues related to nutrition and hygiene Higher access to government health and welfare schemes Greater control over household decisions by women More women launching or managing income activities How Our Turnkey Approach Works Our empowerment model combines:
Awareness and education Practical training Peer group formation (SHGs) Ongoing mentorship and support This ensures that women receive complete guidance — from learning the basics to applying them in their daily lives. How You Can Support You can contribute to our programs in many ways: Sponsor health or financial training sessions Partner with us for CSR or health outreach projects Volunteer your skills (medical, financial, educational) Donate training kits or SHG starter resources Share our work with your professional or social networks Conclusion Women in Gujarat — from rural Ambaji to urban Ahmedabad — are capable of leading change when given access to essential tools. Our focus on health and financial independence provides them with a strong foundation to grow. With the right support, women can improve their own lives and contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the economy.
