Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are more than just collectives of people — they are engines of transformation, especially for women in rural and low-income communities. At Webcodian Foundation, we believe in the power of grassroots unity. Through our Self-Help Group empowerment programs, we help women come together, support one another, build income, and take charge of their own futures. 

SHGs typically consist of 10–20 members from the same community who meet regularly to save money, lend to each other in times of need, and take up training or income-generating activities. What begins as a small savings group often grows into a platform for confidence, leadership, and financial independence.

In 2023–24, we partnered with rural women across districts to form over 100 new SHGs and supported existing groups with training, micro-loans, and market access. These groups engaged in various activities like tailoring, organic farming, food processing, papad-making, handicrafts, and mobile recharge shops — helping women earn stable income while working from home.

Our SHG training modules cover:

• Financial literacy (how to manage savings, credit, and bank linkages)

• Skill development (based on local needs and market demand)

• Entrepreneurship & leadership

• Digital access & mobile banking

Through collaboration with local banks and government schemes, we help SHGs get access to small business loans and subsidies under programs like NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission). Many of our SHG members opened bank accounts, started digital transactions, and even expanded into small-scale cooperatives.

But SHGs do more than just generate income — they build self-respect. We’ve seen women who had never stepped outside their homes confidently lead meetings, travel to markets, and make decisions for their families. They support each other emotionally and socially, becoming role models for their daughters and change-makers in their villages.

One such inspiring story is that of a group named “Sakhi Saheli SHG,” formed by 12 women in a rural village. They began with a weekly saving of ₹50 per member and gradually built a successful pickle-making business that now supplies to urban stores. Their success has inspired neighboring villages to start their own SHGs.

We also conduct SHG Melas (fairs) and exhibitions where women can showcase and sell their products. These events not only bring income but recognition, confidence, and pride.

At Webcodian Foundation, we see SHGs as a foundation for community-led development. When women are empowered financially, socially, and emotionally, entire families and villages thrive. SHGs foster unity, resilience, and self-reliance — values that are essential for long-term sustainable development.

We continue to support, train, and celebrate SHGs because we believe that when women support women, change is not only possible — it’s unstoppable.