27,323 Sakhi women ensuring a financially independent life and building a life of dignity

Hindustan Zinc bringing socio-economic empowerment through 2,218 Sakhi self-help groups in 209 villages

The Sakhi project has been positively transforming the lives of 27,323women through 2,118 SHGs covering across 209 villages. The project is working on the grassroot levels addressing the issues faced by women from rural & tribal communities by honing their business acumen.

Furthermore, Sakhi project has fostered 1,211small and nano enterprises as well as 7 collective enterprises where women are part of the production, processing, and marketing departments with the help of Manjhari Foundation. Another notable facet of the Sakhi programme is the Sakhi Utpadan Samiti whichseeks to empower rural women via the provision of reliable sources of income. 250+ women are part of this initiative through 11 micro businesses. The federation has collectively helped disburse loans of ₹62.16 crore to their members which are not only empowering the women but are also indirectly responsible for the development of agriculture, livestock, micro-enterprises as well as for members’ household and social needs.

Neeru, another beneficiary of the programme, started a small grocery shop in the Putholi village of Chittogarh district.  Encouraged by the success of her grocery shop, Neeru wanted to further augment her family’s income; by adding another source of income for which she took a loan of Rs. 25,000 from the local Sakhi Help Group and installed a sewing machine. Today, her monthly average income has increased to ₹30,000 and she shares the credit with her Sakhi community that supported her and believed in her vision.

Sakhi project continues to act as a beacon of hope for thousands of Sakhis from across the villages and is further transforming not just their life but impacting the entire community.