Empower Women For a Brighter Future
WHY WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Jan Vikas Samiti is dedicated to advancing women’s equality and justice by empowering underprivileged women to drive social change through improvements in their lives and livelihoods. For this purpose, JVS has established a favourable environment for women’s entire development through beneficial economic and social policies, enabling them to reach their full potential for equal access to participation and decision-making.
To strengthen women’s collective power, the organization intervenes through the development of Self-Help Groups, Community Based Organizations, and Federations, among others. Through dedicated efforts, we’ve formed 832 self-help groups, 3 Federations and 82 Community-Based Organizations of existing 7 blocks in 226 Panchayats of three districts, namely Varanasi, Jaunpur and Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. The community-based organisations or women’s pressure groups (PGs) at the panchayat level serve as platforms for collaborative discussions and actions on issues that impact women’s lives and livelihoods at the micro and macro levels.
JVS’s comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment encompasses economic, social, and political dimensions, resulting in tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of women in underprivileged areas. Jan Vikas Samiti is actively seeking to organize women in Farmer Interest Group (FIG), cooperative societies and Farmers Producers Organisation (FPO) to empower them in their farm-based and other entrepreneurial activities fostering financial sustainability and promoting women’s economic independence.
Our Interventions
Sensitization & Awareness of Women’s Issues
The Sensitization & Awareness of Women’s Issues initiative has been a powerful force in empowering women. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and community engagements, we aim to shed light on the pressing challenges women face, from health and well-being-related issues to gender-based violence By fostering dialogue and networking among women’s formal and informal groups we strive to create a more inclusive society where women’s voices are heard and respected. As a result, women have gained confidence and economic opportunities, and are moving towards shaping their destinies. This initiative is a beacon of hope, driving progress towards gender equality.
132 Training programmes on Constitutional Rights
2931 Awareness Building Programme
Capacitating Women
The “Capacitating Women” initiative has made significant strides in empowering women. Through thematic training programs and many skill development opportunities, we have enabled women to break societal barriers and achieve their full potential. This initiative has strengthened women’s networks and mentorship, bolstering confidence and leadership capabilities. By addressing gender disparities and promoting gender equality, women have improved their participation in decision-making processes, politics, and the workforce. The impact of this initiative resonates far and wide, transforming not only individual lives but also their families heralding a brighter, more equitable future.
228 Training Programme on Women Leadership
559 Training programme on Documentation and MIS
340 Training Programme on Conflict Management and Decision-Making Skills
843 Training Programme on Entrepreneurial & Business Management Skill
Promoting Women Entrepreneurs
Empowering women as entrepreneurs fosters economic independence, drives innovation, and narrows gender disparities. It’s imperative to spotlight female-led ventures, inspiring future generations and reshaping business landscapes. Through access to resources and skill development opportunities, we cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship, where women thrive, creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all. Elevating women in business is not just a goal; it’s an essential catalyst for sustainable progress and inclusive economic growth.
136 Training programmes for FIGs and FPO members
244 Training programmes on cooperatives and MFI
464 Training programmes on the promotion of livelihood activities to digital platforms
Skill Development & Livelihood
Skill development & livelihood
Skill development and livelihood opportunities are pivotal for women’s empowerment. By imparting valuable skills and creating avenues for sustainable income, we enable women to break barriers and improve self-esteem and economic growth. Access to micro-loans and mentorship further strengthens their entrepreneurial prowess. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, we ensure that women can uplift themselves and their communities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society where women are key contributors to progress and innovation.
1181 Skill development training programmes on livelihood trades
Last Two Year’s Impact
“A WOMAN IS A COUNTRY’S FATE, DO NOT PUT HER LIFE AT STAKE”
Hansa Devi, Jaunpur
Hansa Devi, a resilient woman from Ghurbari Ram village in Jaunpur, embarked on a remarkable journey of empowerment through the “Asha Self-Help Group,” by Jan Vikas Samiti. Before joining the group, Hansa Devi struggled to make ends meet, running a small shop selling biscuits, salt, and rations from her home to support her family of three boys and two girls, after her husband’s passing.
In May, she joined the self-help group, where she learned about savings and employment opportunities. Inspired by the group’s collective efforts, she began saving her income and realised the potential for high-quality, affordable products created by the group members. With guidance from the group, she expanded her offerings, borrowing a loan to stock her shop with products like washing powder, LED bulbs, phenyl, sanitary pads, masala, and paper plates.
Hansa Devi’s ingenuity led her to get the skill of making washing powder, increasing her profits. She became a self-reliant entrepreneur, saving up to 1500 rupees from the group’s products and 1000 to 1200 rupees from other grocery items. Her total monthly savings reached an impressive 3000 to 4000 rupees. Today, Hansa Devi has transformed her financial condition and secured her children’s education in a good school.
She is a shining example of women’s empowerment, proving that determination, cooperation, and skill development can lead to a brighter future. Her story is a testament to the positive impact of self-help groups, promoting economic independence and a better quality of life for women like Hansa Devi.
“HAPPIER A WOMAN, HAPPIER IS THE FAMILY”
Poonam, Varanasi
Poonam, a 40-year-old resident of Ojrapatti village in Varanasi district, exemplifies the transformative power of microenterprise and community support. Facing adversity and poverty, she joined the Kanha Self-Help Group (SHG) with her husband, Shri Bishnu Vishwakarma, a farmer struggling with 1 acre of unirrigated land as their sole source of income. Their family of two daughters and a son depended on agriculture for their livelihood and often had to work as daily labourers to make ends meet.
Poonam’s financial condition was dire, burdened by high-interest debts from moneylenders and the humiliation that came with it. Yet, Poonam’s life took a significant turn on January 10, 2020, when, as an SHG member, she secured a loan of Rs. 7,000. With this, she opened the “Tamana retail shop” on April 20, 2021. Poonam sourced products like phenyl, Harpic (toilet cleaner), and spices from her SHG and received training from Jan Vikas Samiti (JVS) on their production. She also sold sanitary pads, phenyl, Harpic, spices, and ladies’ beauty items. Her daily earnings ranged from Rs. 200 to Rs. 300, leading to a monthly income of Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000, which helped her meet her family’s expenses. Poonam’s success has not only improved her family’s financial stability but also changed the way she is perceived in her community.
She is now respected and appreciated as an active participant in her family, SHG, and society’s decision-making processes. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the power of micro-enterprise and community support, illustrating how, with determination and hard work, one can break free from poverty’s cycle and strive for a better future. Poonam’s story is a shining example of how microfinance, coupled with institutional support and individual resilience, can empower individuals to transform their lives.
| PROJECT NAME | PROJECT AREA | DONOR ORGANIZATION | STATE & DISTRICT |
| Cluster Project on Community Development | Harahua | Manos Unidas | Varanasi/ Uttar Pradesh |
| Capacity Building Training and Empowerment of Women through Street Plays | Harahua | Manos Unidas | Varanasi/ Uttar Pradesh |
| Community Development for Women through SHG formation and Trainings supported | Harahua/ Sikkad | Manos Unidas | Varanasi/ Mirzapur,Uttar Pradesh |
| Formation and Strengthening of SHGs | Harahua | Nabard | Varanasi Uttar Pradesh |
| LEDP project | Harahua | Nabard | Varanasi/ Uttar Pradesh |