Gender Equality
The Challenge
India has long been burdened by its cultural schemas that have been particularly harsh on women. Indian women still continue to suffer from poor access to education, employment and independence. Many women still languish in poor health due to poor hygiene practices or the practice of “putting themselves last”. These regressive practices also influence the next generation of women who learn the same things, continuing this cycle of submissiveness.
Our Intervention
- We work with the most disadvantaged women through the formation of Self Help Groups (SHG). Women are trained, motivated and equipped with resources to empower them to change their lives while also supporting other women in their journey.
- We currently have ~200 self help groups in Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Tumkur, Kolar, KGF, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapur with 20 members each, and add close to 100 groups annually.
- We work closely with group of marginalised women for a period of 3 years, training them and motivating them to take better life decisions. After 3 years, we support them to take positive actions towards empowerment. This includes facilitating setting up of small to medium enterprises, seeking employment, adopting farming practices or enrolling their girl children in school. After ensuring that the women are sustainably set up, we assume them into leadership positions and they train the new members.
- Project Incharge: Arokia Mary
- Email: arokiamary@bmsss.org