Empowering women to lead change in their communities
At Gramin Mahila Vikas Sansthan (GMVS), we believe that when women are empowered, entire communities become stronger, healthier and more self-reliant.
Our women-led development initiatives focus on creating opportunities for rural and tribal women to become confident leaders, skilled entrepreneurs and active decision-makers within their families and communities.
Through skill development, livelihood support, leadership training and community participation, GMVS works to ensure that women are not just beneficiaries of development, but leaders of change.
From savings groups to women-owned enterprises
Promotion of SHG federations and microfinance
Inspired by community-led development approaches, GMVS has strengthened women’s self-help groups and federation systems to improve access to savings, internal lending, bank linkages and livelihood support services.
The initiative focuses on women from economically vulnerable families, encouraging collective decision-making, financial discipline and leadership participation within the community.
Sangini Production Centre and skills development
The programme has helped many women gain employable skills, improve household income and become financially independent. Women taking part in Sangini Production Centres contribute to their families while inspiring other women in their communities to pursue skill development and self-reliance.
Sangini stitching training programme
GMVS sets up the Sangini stitching training programme by forming two groups of 30 women each, 60 women in total. Women receive:
- 6 months of professional stitching and tailoring training
- SHG formation and bank account opening support
- Financial literacy training
- Industrial exposure visits
- Market linkage opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and women-led entrepreneurship
Sangini Production Centre enterprise model
After the 6-month training, 30 or more women are connected with the Sangini Production Centre.
- Industrial machinery is installed for T-shirts, school uniforms, bags and other bulk orders
- GMVS supports a women-led Gram Sangathan to strengthen leadership and business management
- Women gradually begin running the enterprise independently
- GMVS facilitates a sustainable, women-led company model
How the programme works
Stitching training centres
Setup of stitching training centres.
Expert practice sessions
Regular practice sessions by expert trainers.
Monthly assessment
Monthly assessments of training and reporting.
SHGs and bank accounts
Formation of SHGs, bank account opening and training.
Exposure visits
Industrial exposure visits.
Market linkage
Industrial setup to provide market linkage to SHGs.
Over 26 years of grassroots experience
GMVS has been working on self-help group (SHG) formation and bank linkage programmes since 2000, with over 26 years of grassroots experience in women empowerment and community development.
GMVS has partnered with organisations such as NABARD, Tata Trusts, Aravali and banking institutions to strengthen women-led SHGs through financial inclusion, skill development, awareness generation and digital literacy programmes.
What SHGs have brought
- Self-reliance among women
- Confidence and decision-making
- Higher social, economic and mental status in the community
- The ability to establish identity and shape their future
Help a woman lead change
Your support funds training, savings groups and women-owned enterprises in rural Rajasthan.