Empowering Women: The Journey of Mahila Vikas Manch

Background:

In the pursuit of uplifting the lives of rural women in Beed district, Janvikas Samajik Sanstha (JVSS) has played a pivotal role in organizing deprived and underprivileged women from 300 villages into over 2000 self-help groups (SHGs). As a result of their collective efforts, a federation called Mahila Vikas Manch (MVM) has emerged, comprising an impressive 25,000 members from these SHGs.

At the grassroots level, Mahila Samities have been established, operating at the Village, Taluka, and district levels. The driving force behind this federation lies in its mission to empower women, encouraging them to claim their equal rights in socio-economic development and access to natural resources.

JVSS has been at the forefront of providing capacity building training to these women. They have been equipped with essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives that empower them to demand their rightful share in the development process. Linking them to government schemes, facilitating credit connections with banks and financial institutions, promoting self-employment, and nurturing skill development, JVSS has created a space for these women to thrive within the complex societal structure.

Achievements of the Federation:

The journey of Mahila Vikas Manch has been marked by remarkable achievements, as these women have embarked on a path towards self-empowerment and societal change.

  1. Securing Legal Rights: Over 23,000 women from 120 villages have successfully attained legal rights to their homes and natural resources. This empowerment has not only granted them a sense of ownership but has also bolstered their position in their communities.

  2. Financial Empowerment: With JVSS’s support, 439 SHGs have received working capital amounting to Rs 5,67,99,080/-. This financial boost has enabled the women to invest in income-generating activities and take control of their economic destinies.

  3. Self-Employment Opportunities: The efforts of MVM have resulted in 3,000 women embracing self-employment. By nurturing entrepreneurship and skills, the federation has paved the way for economic independence.

  4. Access to Government Schemes: Through JVSS’s guidance, 6,000 women have availed benefits from various government schemes. This access to social welfare initiatives has improved their overall quality of life.

  5. Campaign for the Girl Child: MVM’s proactive stance is evident in its successful organization of a campaign to save the girl child across 300 villages. By raising awareness and advocating for gender equality, they are nurturing a more inclusive and compassionate society.

  6. Participation in Village Governance: The impact of Mahila Vikas Manch extends beyond individual empowerment, as it actively engages in village governance. By participating in the activities of Gram Panchayats, the federation is influencing policy decisions that directly affect the lives of women and their communities.

Mahila Vikas Manch stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and women’s empowerment. Through their determination, resilience, and support from JVSS, these rural women are not only changing their own lives but also the trajectory of their communities. As they continue to break barriers and shatter stereotypes, Mahila Vikas Manch serves as an inspiring model for women’s empowerment and social progress.

Women SHGs Bank: Empowering the Needy through Accessible Credit

In rural areas, the marginalized and single women and men often find it challenging to obtain credit from traditional banks. This lack of access to financial resources forces them to resort to money lenders, who charge exorbitant interest rates, plunging these vulnerable families into further hardship. To address this pressing issue and foster women’s empowerment, Janvikas Samajik Sanstha (JVSS) took a proactive step by establishing the Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Bank.

Objective: Enabling Access to Credit for the Needy

The primary objective behind the establishment of the Women SHGs Bank was to extend financial support to those in need who were unable to access services from nationalized banks. Recognizing the potential of these individuals and groups to transform their lives through small businesses, the bank aimed to empower them by providing much-needed credit and financial assistance.

Function: Empowering through Collaboration

JVSS initiated the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among women, uniting them to create a strong collective force. The SHGs were then registered as the Self-Help Promoting Mutual Benefit Trust (SPMBT). As the demand for credit increased, these groups collectively formed a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Collaborating with institutions such as SBI, BASIX, Ratnakar Bank, and NSFDC, the NBFC secured credit and capital to support its endeavors.

Structure: Women Leading the Way

At every level of operation, the Women SHGs Bank is driven and managed by women. The SHGs operate at the village level, while a coordination committee oversees their activities at the Taluka level. Forming a cluster committee, these groups strengthen their impact at the district level, where the Board of Trustees (BOT) steers the overall functioning of the bank. The exclusive involvement of women in these committees demonstrates the empowerment that women can achieve when given the opportunity.

Results: Transforming Lives through Financial Inclusion

The Women SHGs Bank, through its efforts, has made a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries:

  1. Credit Disbursal: Providing credit to 426 SHGs amounting to a total of Rs 15,12,22,354, the bank has empowered these groups to take charge of their financial destinies.

  2. Encouraging Entrepreneurship: With the support of the bank, 5142 women have taken the bold step of starting their own small businesses. This entrepreneurship has not only boosted their income but also sustained their families with newfound financial stability.

By establishing the Women SHGs Bank, JVSS has pioneered an essential initiative under its Women Empowerment endeavors. By providing accessible credit and financial resources to those in need, the bank has not only transformed lives but also nurtured a sense of self-reliance and dignity among its beneficiaries. Through collaborative efforts and women’s leadership, the Women SHGs Bank continues to be a beacon of hope, paving the way for a more empowered and inclusive society.

Kalpataru Community Based Micro Health Insurance: Empowering Health and Livelihoods

Background:
The health and well-being of communities often face challenges due to various environmental factors and lifestyle changes. Rising medical expenses further exacerbate the situation, affecting the overall quality of life. In response to these concerns, Kalpataru, an initiative under Women Empowerment by Janvikas Samajik Sanstha (JVSS), has stepped forward to provide security against health-related uncertainties. This innovative scheme is rooted in the idea of collectives, addressing health issues for families, their crops, and animals.

Structure: The Kalpataru Community Based Micro Health Insurance operates as a trust, actively involving 500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in its overall functioning. Additionally, the scheme includes a Claim (Daava) Samiti, a Coordination Committee, and an Advisory Committee, together working cohesively from 72 villages across Kaij, Vadvani, Dharur, Ambajogai, and Beed Talukas of Beed District.

Empowering Health and Livelihoods: Achievements by Kalpataru

  1. Family Health Coverage: Kalpataru’s initiative has led to 11,114 family members from 3996 families of 500 SHGs participating in the micro health insurance scheme. This coverage ensures access to essential healthcare services, thereby promoting a healthier and more secure community.

  2. Animal Insurance: Understanding the significance of livestock for livelihoods, Kalpataru has extended its insurance coverage to 322 animals from 270 SHGs, spanning 34 villages. This initiative not only safeguards the well-being of the animals but also protects the livelihoods of the families dependent on them.

  3. PM Crop Insurance Scheme: Empowering farmers with valuable information, Kalpataru has disseminated details about the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme to 400 SHGs from 58 villages. This knowledge-sharing effort has resulted in 1540 farmers benefiting from the scheme, providing them with much-needed financial support during agricultural uncertainties.

  4. Financial Support: Kalpataru’s commitment to the well-being of its members is evident through its provision of financial assistance. A total of 3,256 members received compensation in cases of animal deaths, ensuring that families do not bear the burden of such losses. Additionally, innumerable farmers received compensation through the crop insurance scheme, promoting stability in the agricultural sector.

By proactively addressing health-related and livelihood challenges, the Kalpataru Community Based Micro Health Insurance has become an exemplar of empowerment within the Women Empowerment initiative by JVSS. Through its collective approach and involvement of SHGs, the scheme not only uplifts individuals and families but also nurtures a sense of community and solidarity. Kalpataru stands tall as a beacon of hope, ensuring that women and their communities are equipped to face health hazards and economic uncertainties with resilience and strength.

Empowering Women through Counseling and Legal Aid Centre

At the heart of the women empowerment initiatives led by Janvikas Samajik Sanstha (JVSS) lies the Counseling and Legal Aid Centre, a vital subhead that aims to empower women by providing them with essential support and guidance to overcome family issues and legal challenges. Through its counseling facility and legal cell, this center has become a beacon of hope for countless women seeking resolution and justice.

Resolving Family Issues through Counseling:

Recognizing the importance of addressing family issues and conflicts, JVSS established counseling centers in two Blocks. These centers have played a crucial role in providing emotional support, guidance, and mediation to women facing domestic disputes and challenges within their families.

Achievements of the Counseling Center:

  1. Cases Resolved: Since its inception, the counseling centers have registered 2668 cases, and an impressive 1250 cases have been successfully resolved through counseling. By fostering open communication, understanding, and reconciliation, these centers have been instrumental in restoring harmony within families and communities.

  2. Legal Aid and Judiciary Support: JVSS’s legal cell has been unwavering in its commitment to provide women with the necessary information and assistance to navigate the legal system effectively. In total, 461 cases have been forwarded to the courts, and legal support is being provided to ensure that justice is accessible to all.

Linking Women to Government Schemes:

Beyond providing emotional support and legal assistance, the Counseling and Legal Aid Centre actively facilitates women’s access to various government schemes and initiatives. By ensuring that women are aware of and can avail themselves of these schemes, the center empowers them to lead more secure and dignified lives.

Achievements in Linking Women to Government Schemes:

  1. Social Security Benefits: A total of 1512 women have been linked to the benefits of government schemes such as the Niradhar Pension Yojana and Shravan Bal Yojana. These social security programs have provided much-needed financial aid and stability to those who were previously vulnerable.

Promoting Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship:

One of the most significant achievements of the Counseling and Legal Aid Centre is its impact on women’s economic empowerment. By nurturing entrepreneurship and providing guidance, the center has enabled women to venture into various enterprises, securing their financial independence and self-sufficiency.

Entrepreneurial Success Stories:

  1. Self-Supporting Women: Through the center’s efforts, 2214 women have taken charge of their economic destinies by starting their own enterprises, including dairy farming, Kirana shops, and flour mills. By breaking the barriers of traditional gender roles, these women have become self-supporting and contributors to their households and communities.

The Counseling and Legal Aid Centre, under the umbrella of women empowerment initiatives by JVSS, is a testament to the transformative power of empathy, support, and empowerment. By addressing family issues, offering legal guidance, connecting women to government schemes, and fostering entrepreneurship, this center has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless women. As it continues to create more success stories, the center remains committed to building a society where women are empowered, uplifted, and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.