Creating Sustainable Livelihoods for Women in Uluberia, West Bengal

GAP
In India, participation of women in the labour force is extremely low – only 29% of all Indian women in the working age group are willing to work. However, in some parts of rural India this number can go as low as 9%. Swaniti observed barriers to self-employment in Uluberia as being i) lack of access to capital due to inadequate banking facilities; ii) excessive paperwork required for registration of women self-help groups (SHGs); iii) mismanagement of funds available under government sponsored self-employment schemes ; and iv) underdeveloped markets

SWANITI INTERVENTION

IMPACT
The seminars impacted more than 400 women. The team received an enthusiastic response from participants and secured buy-ins from all stakeholders. Swaniti also assisted in setting up 2 additional self-help groups (SHGs), which provided employment opportunities to 50 more women. An increased access to capital worth Rs 5,00,000 was made possible.
