"Empowering Women to become

Self-Reliant"

Submitted by:

Gramin Vikas Sewa Samiti

Moh.- Shakti Nagar (Nebulwatal), Behind Kartar
Cinema, Po.- Gandhi Nagar Distt.- Basti (U.P.)
"Empowering Women to become Self-Reliant"

About organisation
Grameen Vikas Sewa Samiti was developed by likeminded people with a goal to capitulate and abet the
process of economic development and social change. To achieve this goal organisation has created
vision and mission which is as under:
Vision:

To challenge the social inequalities and empower vulnerable population by enabling them to help
themselves.
Mission:

To mobilise and harness the power of community at large to combat against social evils and
discriminations which hinders the progress of the community
Values:

Compassion: Being aware of the suffering and difficulties of others and want to contribute for it.
Respect: Having compassionate consideration of others by listening and trying to understand.
Responsiveness: Moving to action with an understanding of the needs of our community.
Stewardship: Using resources, we to be responsive to the community, to provide maximum value to
people who access our services, and to be accountable to all who support our work. Organization is
actively providing community services in the felids of HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support; other
Health care programmes like Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Leprosy; Integrated development of
villages under village development programme; Water and sanitation, Empowering Women through
skill development and SHG formation; Education of Women and Children and Primarily prevention
activities and building Capacity of Civil Society Organisations.
 Type of NGO :

Registration No :

City of Registration :

State of Registration :

Date of Registration

FCRA details

FCRA Registration no. :

Sector/ Key Issues

Education & Literacy, Environment & Forests,

Health & Family Welfare, HIV/AIDS, Micro Finance
Key Issues : (SHGs), Rural Development & Poverty Alleviation,
Vocational Training, Women's Development &
Empowerment, Youth Affairs

Operational Area-States : Uttar Pradesh

Contact Details

Registered Office: Vill : Bhaishiya Post – Dudhaura

Address : (Dillaya)
District - Basti 272002U.P. India

City : Basti

State : Uttar Pradesh

Telephone : 0500000000

Mobile No : 09451000000

E-mail : yxxxxxdav[dot]xgmail[dot]com
Website Url : ggxxxabcabc

Fax : 5555555555
Major assignments:

 Road Safety Awareness Program Prevention of HIV through Targeted Intervention Project among IDUs, Basti Prevention of HIV through Targeted
Intervention among Migrants Prevention of HIV in rural areas of District Basti through Link Worker Scheme
 Innovations In Health Advocacy by PATH International Child Manifesto
 Axshya Project – the global funds round - TB Project
 Village Development Programme, Ministry of Rural Development
 National Environment Awareness Campaign
 Disater Management and awareness programme in Distt Basti
 Sure Start Project PATH International
 Sir Dorab ji Tata Trust

Introduction

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”

India's Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) has recognized for the first time that women are not just as equal citizens but as agents of economic and social growth
[1]. Any development strategy will be lopsided without involving women who constitute half of the world population. Women entrepreneurship has gained
momentum since the early 1980s when countries in Asia (particularly India and China) and elsewhere started liberalizing their economies [2]. The resultant
globalization propelled by Foreign Direct Investment, technological innovations and manufactured exports has brought a wide range of economic and social
opportunities to women entrepreneurs.

Rationale for the proposed intervention;

Problem Statement

Empowerment of women is closely linked to the opportunities they have in education, health, employment and for political participation. The role played by rural
women in India's economic development has not been assigned sufficient importance. Women face gender-specific barriers in access to education, health, and
employment. As well, women have little control over assets. Women are often under-paid or unpaid for their work. Though, data on literacy rates, enrolment and
drop rates in primary education, life expectancy, infant mortality, maternal mortality rates, etc. has shown a progressive trend, other parameters that reflect the
status and position of women in society such as work participation rates, sex ratio in the age group of 0-6 years and gender based violence continue to be heavily
distorted against women.
Need and scope of the present proposal
Basti District is one among 71 Districts of Uttar Pradesh State, India. It is Located 206 KM west towards State capital Lucknow. District is sharing border with
District Ambedkar Nagar, District Faizabad and Gonda.

As per the census 2011, total population of the district is 2464464 out of which there are 1255272 males and 1209192 are females. Population wise this is 41st
district in the state and 178th district at national level and if considering the land area it is 2 largest district in the state. As per 2011 census, 94.39 % population of
Basti districts lives in rural areas of villages. Literacy rate of the district is around 56% which is low against the national average of around 60%. Only 33% male
and 23% females are literate in the district which shows the backwardness of the district. This district has 39th rank in the state and 397th rank in India in literacy.
Female literacy rate of rural area is far below therefore there is less exposure and most of the females are treated as marginalized population. As per census 2011
data there are only 32% population engaged in any income generation activity out of which only 9% females are involved in any kind of income generation
activities.

As per the need assessment and observation through other programmes being implemented but the organisation following issues has emerged categorically:

Key issues and linkages

Reproductive health:

Women, for both physiological and social reasons, are more vulnerable than men to reproductive health problems. Reproductive health problems, including
maternal mortality and morbidity, represent a major – but preventable -- cause of death and disability for women. As far as District Basti is concerned as per
available data it is found that still there is high IMR and MMR in the district. There is huge gap in providing information, services and conditions to help women
protect their reproduction health therefore constitutes gender-based discrimination and a violation of women’s rights to health and life.

Stewardship of natural resources:

Women in Basti district are usually in charge of securing water, food and fuel and of overseeing family health and diet. Therefore, they tend to put into
immediate practice whatever they learn about nutrition and preserving the environment and natural resources.

Economic empowerment:

More women than men live in poverty. Women hardly have any money at their discretion therefore totally dependent on husband or family members to fulfil
their petty needs. Economic disparities persist partly because much of the unpaid work within families and communities falls on the shoulders of women and
because they face discrimination in the economic sphere.
 Educational empowerment:

As far as Basti is concerned about two thirds of the illiterate adults are female. Further analysing the data it was found the around 60% of the total literate
women have studied up to 5th standard. Higher levels of women's education are strongly associated with both lower infant mortality and lower fertility, as well
as with higher levels of education and economic opportunity for their children.

Political empowerment:

Social and legal institutions still do not guarantee women equality in basic legal and human rights, in access to or control of land or other resources, in
employment and earning, and social and political participation. Laws against domestic violence are often not enforced on behalf of women.

Empowerment throughout the life cycle:

Reproductive health is a lifetime concern for both women and men, from infancy to old age. UNFPA supports programming tailored to the different challenges
they face at different times in life.

Beneficiary details (number of beneficiaries, process for identification, selection);

Beneficiary for this programme will be rural women and they will be approached through self Help Groups

Identification and Formation of SHGs: This is the most important activity, since the progress of the project depends on the women selected to compose SHG
groups. Out of a total of 201 gram panchayats in the four blocks, 50 village panchayats would be selected based on organisation's past intervention and expected
project outcomes. 100 SHG groups, two each in every panchayat shall be formed constituting 10 members in each group. A total of 1000 beneficiaries would
target during the project tenure.

S.N. Blocks Total Gram Number of village Total number of Total number of
Panchayat panchayats SHGs formed beneficiaries
targeted targeted
1 Kudraha 70 15 30 300
2 Dubaulia 55 10 20 200
3 Bahadupur 74 15 30 300
4 Kaptanganj 61 10 20 200
Total 328 50 100 1000
Project Description
The proposed project titled "Empowering Women to become Self-reliant" aims to improve the economic and health condition of women in selected intervention
villages of Basti district through SHG formation and capacity building/skill development training programs. The project envisages providing a sustainable source of
income to the beneficiaries by establishing production centres and improving their health parameters through nutritional awareness.

Goal

"To improve economic and health conditions of women beneficiaries in Kudraha, Dubaulia, Bahadupur, Kaptanganj blocks of Basti district, Uttar Pradesh."

Objectives

I. To form 100 women Self Help Groups in Kudraha, Dubaulia, Bahadupur, Kaptanganj blocks of Basti district and improve their saving habits through
capacity building programs.
II. To improve the health parameters of the SHG members and generate livelihood opportunities for the beneficiaries by promoting group entrepreneurship
in the target areas.
III. To sustain the income generating activities in the areas through establishment of production units and their market linkages.

Implementation Area

The project shall be implemented in 50 selected villages of Kudraha, Dubaulia, Bahadupur, Kaptanganj blocks of District Basti, U.P.

Duration

The project is proposed for duration of 36 months.

Proposed Outcomes

100 identifiable SHG groups formed in 50 gram panchayat of Kudraha, Dubaulia, Bahadupur and Kaptanganj blocks of District Basti. The members of the
groups have inculcated the saving habit within them and have established a culture of self-help.

Improvement in the health parameters, professional, technical and social skills of 1000 women beneficiaries of the SHG groups.
400 women beneficiaries empowered through skill development training programs in food processing and packaged drinking water to become rural
entrepreneurs.
Approach and Methodology
The project envisages to empower women to become self-reliant through formation of SHGs and inculcating saving habits in them. The project will be
implemented with the full cooperation of the women beneficiaries from the villages and village leaders. It shall strive on their participation at every level and at
every stage of the program.

Activities

Baseline survey:
At the onset, a baseline survey would be conducted in all the four blocks to study the socio-economic conditions of women in the areas. This survey shall also
focus on availability of local resources and demand for skill development training programs in the areas of intervention. Primary research using questionnaires/
schedules will be conducted. Government officials, village leaders, private players etc. shall be contacted to prepare a detailed report on the status of the blocks.

Identification and Formation of SHGs:

This is the most important activity, since the progress of the project depends on the women selected to compose SHG groups. Out of a total of 201 gram
panchayats in the four blocks, 50 village panchayats would be selected based on organisation's past intervention and expected project outcomes. 100 SHG groups,
two each in every panchayat shall be formed constituting 10 members in each group. A total of 1000 beneficiaries would target during the project tenure.

Number of village
Total number of Total number of
S.N. Blocks panchayats
SHGs formed beneficiaries targeted
targeted
1 Kudraha 15 30 300
2 Dubaulia 10 20 200
3 Bahadupur 15 30 300
4 Kaptanganj 10 20 200
Total 328 50 100
 Awareness programs on health, hygiene and nutrition:
After the formation of SHG groups awareness programs on health, hygiene and nutrition would be conducted. Good health care and nutrition during pregnancy,
infancy, and childhood are essential but are often overlooked factors in the growth and development due to lack of awareness specially in villages. The mobilizers
shall disseminate such information in the groups for achieving a better health status of the SHG members. The awareness programs would be followed up by
health check-up camps. Eye check-up camps, blood test, etc would be conducted free of cost in the villages. Also iron capsules, sanitary napkins etc. would be
distributed for free during the health camps.

"Empowering Women to become Self-Reliant"

Awareness programs on health, hygiene and

nutrition 13

Capacity building training on SHG concepts

Assessment of SHGs Identification of training locations

Conducting Group Meetings for definite membership:

Group formation is not complete with the first meeting. It takes several meetings over a period of 2 to 4 months for the group to have definite membership.
During this period members may leave and others may join if the group agrees. The meetings held during this period are not only social gatherings but the
members also raise issues concerning the family and the village. Matters regarding savings and lending are also debated thoroughly as this is the major common
function of the group. The group should be identifiable and shall give itself a name. The members must agree to save and lend and establish a culture of self-help.
Basic records like attendance register, minutes book and members savings ledgers should be maintained. If savings have begun, the group opens an account in
the nearest Bank or Post Office.
Capacity Building training on SHG concepts and Group Stabilization:
Once the SHG groups are formed and identifiable, capacity building training programs shall be conducted for the SHG members on various aspects of Self Help
Groups. Leadership development, rules and regulations of SHGs, conflict resolution, credit linkages, book keeping etc. shall be the various aspects of training
programs. The SHG training program would be a continuous process and it will be imparted throughout the project duration batch wise. Over the period, the
groups must be stabilized by making their saving habits regular and strengthening their lending operations. Literacy and numeracy classes should be conducted
and attended by all members. Meetings must be held regularly, preferably every week. Books like admission book, attendance register, minutes book, members
savings ledger, members pass book, receipt voucher, payment voucher, cash book, general ledger, loan ledger, stock book are maintained either by a literate
member of the group or by the mobilizers. This provides the members of the SHG with an opportunity to acquire the skills to manage its resources. The group
decides on the rate of savings, on the timing of the loans, on the schedule of payments and repayments, and on the interest rates; it assesses when and whether
the member needs a loan and whether she/he is able to use the loan effectively and to repay according to the schedule decided on.

Assessment of SHGs:
Once the SHG groups are formed, trained and stabilized they will be assessed for the sake of identifying the 40 best SHGs out of the 100 SHGs formed. The main
components of assessment would be the attendance level of the SHG members, their regularity of savings, inter-loaning history, repayment history, group
cohesiveness, leadership qualities etc.

Identification of training locations for skill development training programs:

Training shall be imparted at the location suitable to the beneficiaries. Four such locations shall be identified, one each in every block.

Conducting skill development training programs: The selected beneficiaries shall undergo skill development training in two of the trades chosen. In Kudraha
and Dubaulia, Training on ‘Packaged drinking water’ shall be imparted and in Bahadupur and Kaptanganj training on ‘Food Processing’ shall be imparted. Detail
study material shall be provided to each beneficiaries printed in their local language.

Components of Packaged drinking water training program:

The training shall provide the members an insight on:

 The water treatment plant layout & technology

 Guidance on plant & machineries & water pouches manufacturing plant
 Knowledge on certification (BIS certification)
  Preparation of project report
 Govt. Financial schemes & subsidies

Marketing management

Exposure visits

Components of Food processing training program:

The training shall provide the members an insight on:

Opportunities in food Sector

Processing on Fruits & Vegetables i.e. Dehydrated & canned products, Jam, Jelly, Squashes, Milk Products
Grain Processing i.e. wafers, instant mix, spices, bakery, ready to eat/ fry & serve products, fish & meat products
Technology and machinery
Preservation methods

Packaging and marketing

Govt. Financial Schemes & Subsidies
Project report & demonstrations
Practical of food products

The training shall be provided batch wise as per the table below catering a total of 400 beneficiaries from all the four blocks.
Total number of
S.N. Blocks Intervention Trade Duration
beneficiaries
1. Kudraha Packaged Drinking 100 (4 batches)

Water 3 months
2. Dubaulia Group 100 (4 batches)
Entrepreneurship
3. Bahadupur 100 (4 batches)
Food Processing 3 months
4. Kaptanganj 100 (4 batches)

Total 400
Conducting training programs on Group Entrepreneurship & Life Skills:
Training on group entrepreneurship is necessary to build a successful microenterprise. The self-help group is not a static institution; it grows on the resources and
management skills of its members and their increasing confidence to get involved in issues and programs that require their involvement in the public and private
spheres. Special training classes on group entrepreneurship shall be imparted to the trained SHG members so that they can run and manage their enterprise
independently. Also life skills like, managing emotions, building relationships, resisting peer pressure, communication and negotiation skills shall also be taught to
the beneficiaries. Information about proposal writing and submission, land development, subsidy details, funding agencies, central/state government schemes
etc. shall also be a part of the training program. This shall enable the beneficiaries to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.

Establishing manufacturing units:

One packaged drinking water manufacturing unit shall be established in Kudraha block and one food processing unit shall be established in Bahadupur block. This
shall provide sustainability to the project. The centres will be equipped with all the necessary equipments for its proper and fair functioning. Further registration
of the centers, quality check etc shall be the part of the project.

Establishing backward linkages:

During the project duration, the funds generated would meet the working capital requirement of the unit. Further, for the sustainability of the project and to
meet working capital requirement of the unit at continual basis, various backward linkage between market and manufacturing unit would be promoted to
encourage the seller to supply raw materials at an appropriate quality and price. The existing institutions like local bodies, cooperatives and whole sale market
which have been in operation for a long time in different contexts would be utilized to strengthen the backward linkage. This way the skill and expertise acquired
by the beneficiaries would be constructively used and this would ensure smooth supply of raw materials to the processing units.

Establishing Forward linkages:

This is very important strategy for selling the final product. If this is done properly, this would impact the whole project. Permanent and long term market is
required to make this project sustainable. Local shopkeepers, wholesalers, retailers, and vendors shall be contacted for placing the final products manufactured
by the beneficiaries. Since Eastern U.P. is a tourist destination due to Buddhist circuit attending melas and trade events in the district shall also be laid importance
to. Further, proper attention will be given to improve the packaging quality for creating and sustaining market demand.
Project Review Meetings:
Project review meetings will be held on a quarterly basis which shall be attended by the project team, and selected leaders from the beneficiaries. The objective
of these meetings will be to review the strategies, discuss the challenges, conflict resolutions, and to devise ways to combat the challenges. In the review
meetings, redress mechanisms will be set up. Through supportive discussions, solutions will be found for improving the quality levels. The existence of such
mechanism is expected to strengthen the project intervention.

Dissemination Workshop & Certificate Distribution:

After successful completion of the training programs, certificate distribution ceremony shall be organized centrally for all the participants. The knowledge and
skills would be judged based on theoretical and practical examination conducted after the completion of training programs. Officials related to drinking water
industry, food processing and renowned personalities along with media shall be invited to grace the ceremony. The beneficiaries shall speak about their success
and shall encourage other community members.
Activity Chart
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M
S. Activity
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
N.
1 Baseline Survey
2 Identification, & formation
of SHGs till definite
membership
3 Awareness programs on
health, hygiene and
nutrition
4 Capacity building training
on SHG concepts and
Group Stabilization
5 Assessment of SHGs
6 Identification of training
locations
7 Conducting skill
development training
programs with group
entrepreneurship and life
skill inputs
8 Establishing
manufacturing units
9 Establishing backward
linkages
10 Establishing forward
linkages

11 Review Meetings
12 Certificate distribution &
Dissemination workshop
Implementation Team
1. Project Manager: S/he will be the head of the project and responsible for overall
management and monitoring of the project. S/he will assign task to other staff of the
project. S/he will also be responsible for identification of market linkages and credit linkages

2. Project Coordinator: S/he will be Responsible for assisting Program Manager in

implementation of project activities.

3. SHG Coordinators: S/he will be responsible for SHG formation in the villages, assessment
and selection of the beneficiaries under the guidance of Project Manager
4. Accounts Officer: He/she will be responsible for maintaining project accounts.

5. Support Staff: S/He will be responsible in carrying out documentation and supporting
Project Manager & Monitoring Officer in all respect.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation of the project at regular intervals shall be done to ensure that the project
activities are held efficiently and as per the schedule. The effectiveness of the implementation shall
be monitored through:
Assessment of key indicators.
Weekly and monthly reports submitted by the Project Coordinator and Program Manager.
Feedback from the workshops and seminars.
Examinations conducted for the trainees.
Feedbacks taken from the trainees as well as the trainers.
Attendance registers (staffs, trainees, trainers).
Inventory registers (training location)

Monitoring reports would be prepared and submitted as per the specifications, highlighting the
activities, achievements and challenges faced during the month Regular check on all these
parameters and feedback provided thereafter for improvements shall lead to the achievement of
the outcomes of the project.

Risks Assumptions & their management

Local communities are negligence and are not interested in group activities like SHG.
Political, Economic, Social and Technological conditions in the districts are not
favorable.
The women are reluctant to undergo training programs and emerge as an
entrepreneur.
. To overcome the above mentioned risks and challenges following strategies will be adopted:
 Meetings shall be conducted in the districts to communicate the socio-economic
importance of such an intervention.

A pre-analysis of the existing conditions in the districts shall be done. Officials at the
district level shall be approached and convinced about the importance of the same.
Project Sustainability
As an immediate effect of the project, 1000 women beneficiaries have learnt the concept of self
help and have inculcated saving habits within them. Further, 400 beneficiaries have been trained in
entrepreneurship and skill development training programs. These skilled chunks shall act as change
agents in their communities and shall communicate the importance of the project in the
communities. The linkages formed during the course of this project with various external
stakeholders and with markets would also continue to provide the technical support and market
linkages required to run a successful enterprise. Eventually, technical expertise would also develop
within the manufacturing units, making training and capacity building possible in-house sites and
ascertain its safety and security. With the influx of more and more tourists the locals shall be
empowered both socially and economically. Also the success could lead to more funding from the
Central and the State Governments.