Savings groups have been established using a microfinance model to foster self-empowerment and income generation among women in the region. Each group, consisting of 12 to 29 trained volunteers, meets on the last Saturday of each Nepali month. There are currently 14 savings groups with a total of 279 members. Members contribute at least NRs.500 each month to their savings pool and can borrow from this fund to start income-generating activities such as spice production, tailoring, operating beauty parlors, small retail shops, canteens, and other enterprises. Participation in these groups has enhanced the women’s self-confidence and elevated their social status within their communities. The ongoing success of these savings groups has also provided mothers and volunteers with easier access to financing for small investments in shops, businesses, and other income-generating ventures. The project aims to cultivate savings habits to improve the economic status of women in the community, provide access to low-interest loans, and create a platform for sharing experiences and concerns, ultimately helping women achieve greater economic independence.

How were the groups formed?

Following their training, volunteers built confidence among each other, leading to the formation of small savings groups. To support and strengthen these initiatives, each group was initially given a small seed fund to open bank accounts, enabling them to continue their monthly savings collectively.

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