Self-help Groups
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are more than just collectives of people — they are engines of transformation, especially for women in rural and low-income communities. Through our Self-Help Group empowerment programs, we help women come together, support one another, build income, and take charge of their own futures.
SHGs typically consist of 10–15 members, who meet regularly to save money, lend to each other in times of need, and take up training or income-generating activities. What begins as a small savings group often grows into a platform for confidence, leadership, and financial independence.
we partnered with rural women across area to form over 20 new SHGs and supported existing groups with training, micro-loans, and market access.
Our SHG training modules cover:
- Financial literacy (how to manage savings, credit, and bank linkages)
- Skill development (based on local needs and market demand)
- Entrepreneurship & leadership
But SHGs do more than just generate income — they build self-respect. We’ve seen women who had never stepped outside their homes confidently lead meetings, travel to markets, and make decisions for their families. They support each other emotionally and socially, becoming role models for their daughters and change-makers in their villages.
At SMUSS, we see SHGs as a foundation for community-led development. When women are empowered financially, socially, and emotionally, entire families and villages thrive. SHGs foster unity, resilience, and self-reliance — values that are essential for long-term sustainable development.
We continue to support, train, and celebrate SHGs because we believe that when women support women, change is not only possible — it’s unstoppable.