WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES

Provide support of Rs.5000/- to a rural woman to become financially independent by starting her own micro-enterprise.-

Socio-Economic Programs

Initiative towards Village Development

Majority of the rural population are illiterate and are unaware of their rights and entitlements being provided by the government for them. They do not know what all facilities and privileges they can avail. Ignorance to a great extent is responsible for the situation they are dwelling in. Taking this into consideration, Stri Shakti initiated to create awareness and organise the villagers and their efforts so they can avail the benefits meant for them.

Stri Shakti helps villagers of Hazaribag Sadar Block in receiving knowledge and accessing benefit of those programs. It also takes the issue of self employment, preventive health care and entitlements from government funded welfare schemes, as these are some of the important tools to promote a just society.

Bread for the World (BFW), Germany supports this initiative in 25 villages of Hazaribag District. Women self help groups (SHGs) have proven instrumental for disseminating information and to find a common ground for vital issues like immunization, reproductive & sexual health and home management. The SHGs have also endorsed and empowered women to stand in opposition to domestic violence, superstition and alcoholism.

The Achievements is as Under

Micro-Credit and Women SHGs

Micro-credit and Self Help Groups (SHG) have become complimentary these days. With the advent of Micro-credit; Women Empowerment seems a possible goal by reaching the beneficiaries and providing them the desired support towards financial independence. The Self help Groups further enhances the impact by organising women into groups; educating them on saving practices and internal lending. The SHG women get a platform where they learn Financial Literacy and inculcate saving practices. They are also educated on the various government welfare schemes which they can avail benefits.

Stri Shakti believes that Organising women into SHGs and providing them with Micro-credit facilities helps in improving their financial status and well-being. Further, besides savings and credit facilities they also raise voices on issues regarding social concern such as education to all, prohibiting dowry, promoting community health practices, gender equality, leadership development etc.

Women’s Self Help Groups at a Glance

Agriculture Promotion and Food Security

Majority of the population in Jharkhand is dependent on agriculture and farm practices as their only source of livelihood. With the ever-changing weather conditions; farmers are finding it difficult to cultivate their crop due to scanty and irregular rainfall and poor knowledge. They still use the conventional methods of production which is resulting in less yield. Keeping this in mind; Stri Shakti with the kind support of Bread for the World, Germany imparted training to 200 farmers on SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method of paddy productivity and other cash crops like Lady finger, Bitter gourd, Egg plants, Tomato, Green chillies, Pumpkin, Potato, and Cucumber. The SRI method has proved to be a great boon as it requires less input and doubles the output. The farmers are finding it very useful and have enhanced their productivity with lesser inputs.

Besides the required technical support and needed guidance; the farmers are also provided with seeds for plantation since last 2 years. The yield has been very good and the farmers are able to reap benefits applying the knowledge, guidance and hand holding support.