Women leading change through self-help groups in Gujarat

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) (India), October 12 (ANI): The success stories of self-help groups (SHG) in Gujarat further exemplify the broader trend of women playing a vital role in the state’s economic and social progress.

Government support has been a significant factor in the growth of many SHGs in the state. Schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana and ‘Mission Mangalam’ have provided financial support, market linkages and training to SHGs in Gujarat.

Cycling to her workplace, Neelam Tadvi, a radio host, embodies the spirit of progress and women’s empowerment in Gujarat.

As a member of the local tribal community, Neelam’s broadcasts on ‘Radio Unity’ showcase the rich cultural traditions and history of the Narmada district, home to the grand Statue of Unity. She and her RJ colleagues delight listeners with stories of social change and women’s empowerment.

Neelam said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to establish a community radio station in this region, which came to fruition on Independence Day 2021.

“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream was that there should be a radio center here, a community radio center. And those working as RJs should be locals or from tribal communities. ” said Neelam Tadvi.

Around 24 lakh women are currently active under 2 lakh Sakhi Mandals or SHGs that are being managed worth Rs 1,000 crore through bank linkage.

Hansa, an SHG member, said, “Since PM Narendra Modi came to power, we have witnessed success. Our salaries have also increased. He has brought many schemes for us. The MA Card (Mukhyamantri Amrutum) Yojana, is also a great initiative , and then there is the Vidhva Pension Yojana (for widows), which also benefits us.”

The government facilitates these women by providing subsidies, easy access to loans, ranging from 10,000 to 1 lakh rupees, as well as free stalls to reach a wider audience. From offering training to providing financial assistance for business creation, the government has taken several measures to empower women entrepreneurs.

Many women who previously worked as servants are now running their own businesses with the help of financial assistance provided under state and central government programs such as the Prime Minister’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi program and the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana.

Dimple Parmar, a beneficiary, said, “We get free stalls from the government during Navratri and Rakshabandhan festivals. Then we also get stalls at airports. It’s all free. We do crafts all year round, we are a group of 10 to 12 women , we do manual work and then sell our products at these stalls. We get good responses from these stalls and this helps us manage our families.”

As Gujarat celebrates Vikas Saptah, commemorating 23 years of PM Modi’s leadership, these stories are testaments to the state’s commitment to promoting a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

The government’s dedication and support, through initiatives such as community radio stations and Self-Help Groups, are creating fertile ground for women’s empowerment. (ANI)