Economic Empowerment

Micro-Credit Activities: MSSS is supporting around 3,000 self-help groups of

women in mobilizing own savings and micro credit from financial institutions. Around 55,000 members of these SHGs have mobilized own savings of Rs.121 million and bank credit worth Rs.362 million.    Most of the savings and credit are used for meeting the basic needs of the families.

Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood: Most women members and other sections

of the population participating in the programmes organized by MSSS belong to the  weaker  sections.  They  do  not  have  regular  income  and  employment; therefore need to substantially enhance their livelihoods. MSSS is encouraging the women members to use the money for generating more income to address their  basic  livelihood and other needs.  MSSS  help the  weaker  sections to enhance  their  livelihoods  in  a  sustainable  manner  by  taking  up  economic activities.  Own savings and bank credit are seen as means for starting up economic activities.

Promotion of Micro-enterprises:  As stated above, micro-credit and own savings

are treated as means to achieve sustainable livelihood for the weaker sections

by  starting  micro-enterprises  for  generating  additional  income  for  their families.      Main activities   (micro-enterprises)   are   in   food   processing, handicrafts, livestock, horticulture, bamboo products etc.   MSSS is also supporting the entrepreneurs to market their products.

Organizing vocational training and education:  Most women members are less educated and skillful in economic activities; they also need to update their own basic skills.  In addition new skills and capacities in organizing new economic activities are needed.  MSSS plans to organize systematic training to improve the skills and capacities of women  and  youths  to  undertake  and  manage economic  activities.  This  project  is  proposed  to  enhance  the  skills  and capacities of needy women and youths in taking  up  and managing  economic activities.