Self-Help Groups Empowering Indian Women

“Have you always done what you are asked to do? I have! I obeyed my parents and after marriage I followed my husband. I never knew that I could have a conversation with him and share with him what I felt or what I was thinking. I learned how to express myself when I joined the women’s self-help group,” says Suman, a 28-year-old mother who participates in the SOS Family Strengthening Program in Faridabad, India.

Suman’s story will resonate with many women in India. She was married at 14 and had her first child at the age of 15. She was expected to be obedient and docile, discouraged from formulating an opinion and asking questions.

While educated, urban, middle-to-upper class women may not experience this reality, women living in poverty, with low levels of education and without a livelihood are often denied opportunities to be heard and empowered.

Suman, originally from Uttar Pradesh, moved about 600 kilometres away from her home to be with her husband six years ago. That is where her life began to change.

Being Your Own Person

Suman learned about the Vishnu Self-Help Group (SHG) in 2016. She soon became a member which led her on a journey that she could only ever dream about. Her world rapidly expanded as she learned many new things. She came to know more about hygiene, sanitation, nutrition – topics that will help her to take care of her children.

“I was really surprised by the discussions in the SHG. The focus of the discussions in the trainings was always on children and how every activity or action we do has an impact on our children. I just felt more prepared for parenting and taking care of my children,” Suman shares. 

Another thing that Suman learned from the group was the importance of micro savings. She began by saving Rs. 100 (approximately 1.17 CAD per month). Over the last couple of years she increased it to Rs 300 (approximately 3.50 CAD per month). Her micro savings made her eligible to take out loans from the group. And for the first time, she could contribute financially towards household expenses. She helped her husband to repay a loan which was a turning point for her. Her husband began to look up to her with a newfound sense of respect. Suman found space to engage with her husband and share her feelings and opinions.

“In the group, we are taught about discussing concerns and asking the right questions. I have applied it at home as well. And now, my husband and I discuss things with each other. He no longer tells me, do this or do that, we now talk about what we are going to do. I have also begun to talk to my children, discuss things with them. We take decisions together. And not just at home but in the community as well. When I visit any shops or when I meet any local leaders and listen to their promises, I ask them, why, when and how. This is my key mantra which I learned in the group,” Suman says.

Women Entrepreneurs

Suman studied up to Grade 10 in school, prior to getting married, so she never imagined herself as part of a business venture. With support from SOS Children’s Villages and her self-help group, she helped to run a small-scale business selling spices. The group procured raw spices, pounded them into a powder, packaged them and then sold them.

They started this business in 2018 and the initial response to the products was good, but the business needed to be scaled up since there was limited opportunities to market their spices. Though the business was eventually closed, Suman was happy to be a part of the venture. Now she is taking sewing classes and learning how to make masks and clothing, among other things.

Surviving COVID-19

Suman’s children used to go to school prior to the lockdown. In the school, they were given a mid-day meal. Now with schools closed, the children are at home. Suman and her husband are struggling to provide food for the family. The children thankfully are able to continue classes through a smartphone.

“My husband was not paid for the last three months. Thankfully, now the factory where he works has opened. But now he is doing double shifts to make up for the lost income,” Suman says. “Going forward, in our self-help group, we have decided to focus on increasing our savings. We will save at least 30% of our income so that we stay strong in difficult times,” Suman adds.

SOS Family Strengthening Programs in India

The Family Strengthening Programs run by SOS Children’s Villages India focuses on working with vulnerable families to empower them and improve their socio-economic situation. The caregivers in the families, mostly mothers, are often the drivers of this program. The caregivers are organized into self-help groups where they are provided with training on various topics and supported in income-generating activities, promoting their empowerment. The group members develop the confidence to speak up and initiate important discussions, increasing their participation in household decision making.

Canadians wishing to help vulnerable children are encouraged to sponsor a child, sponsor a Village or make a Donation today to our COVID-19 response.