Empowering Rural Women

The Spice and Cereal Processing Unit of Sukarya has boosted the household incomes of women of the Self Help Groups (SHGs). Investing in women's economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

The SCPU [Spice and Cereal processing unit] of Sukarya inducts rural and Peri-urban women from SHGs [Self –Help groups] and provides them with an opportunity to learn and earn their livelihood.

The outcomes of this developmental model have been phenomenal as it has changed the lives of many women. The initiative has boosted women's household incomes, which resulted in improved financial access, Food, Health, Education, and the overall living conditions of their families.

Women are becoming self–reliant by acquiring employability skills and earnings. They are supporting their families to survive, which leads to an improved status of women in their families and community.

They are no more burdens to their families; they feel powerful. Now, they are earning on their own, exploring new possibilities. The confidence level has grown up, and they are empowered to make decisions about themselves and their children and families.

The SCPU women say they found an attitudinal change in their husbands since they began earning and contributing to household expenses. Now husbands have started treating them better and extending support and cooperation. Their husbands are mostly laborers and small vendors who do not have stable income sources.       

Tulsi, Parmila, Sheela, Sujata, and Sunita are in their early and mid-30s. They all struggled through their lives; they battled through poverty, discrimination, gender bias, and social stereotypes. But they are determined to lift their own lives and build a better future for their children, especially the girls.

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• facebook page of Sukarya
• Twitter Handle of Sukarya
• LinkedIn Page of Sukarya