WOMEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
HEARDS has been forming and promoting Women Self Help Groups since 1999. Under this holistic women empowerment and development program, the rural women in Chittoor District are being organized into women Self Help Groups (SHGs). There are 10-12 members who will be in an SHG. We are also forming and promoting women’s self-help.
Each SHG is having its own savings accounts in the nearby banks and they are promoted to practice the internal thrift and credit process. The women group members were being given various intensive training packages including the induction and orientation training on the concept of SHGs, leadership training, Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP), Various Income Generation Programs like production of goods, Marketing strategies, Various vocational training programs, value-added services to the products, etc.,
The groups have started to manufacture their own products. Many groups are being involved in manufacturing household things, vermicomposting, toys making, sisal fiber products making, running various shops, garments, embroidery, cross works, milk co-operative, cattle rearing, brick making, sari painting, basket weaving, etc., The credit linkages have been established with the banks and other financial institutions for their micro-entrepreneurial initiatives for the self-help group members.
The groups who have got loans from this micro-credit program have started various income generation programs and micro-enterprises. HEARDS is assisting the members self Help Groups for livelihood support with the support of donors for various entrepreneurial activities. The micro-credit helps the group members to start various micro-enterprises to generate considerable income for the family and to spur the rural economy.
Due to the effective implementation of the program, HEARDS has been awarded the best service in the field by CSR Journal, Mumbai.