Chaitanya marks SHG federation’s first anniversary

Dr Sudha Kothari,managing trustee and director of Chaitanya said,“It was heartening to celebrate the completion of one year of the federation in Sakri Block in Dhule. Suzlon Foundation’s faith in Chaitanya to lead this initiative saw us through the numerous challenges in facilitating a space where women could express themselves. Women who had never ventured outside their homes are now coming together,creating an identity for themselves,setting norms to work by in their self-help groups (their first lessons in democracy) and earning entitlements.”

Through Project Chirag,Chaitanya and Suzlon Foundation have facilitated the formation of 770 SHGs in 170 villages with more than 10,602 women benefitting from the SHGs.

The groups have mobilised loan amounts to the tune of Rs. 41,87,000 and the repayment rate has been 98 – 100 per cent. This is the result of a streamlined process – Once a federation is established and named,an Executive Council and Loan Sanction committee is elected. The Federation Governing Board meets every month to review activities.