About Yashaswini Abhiyan

In the era of globalization, women’s world is rapidly changing. Different work avenues are being opened for women within the city. Women from rural areas are stepping towards self-empowerment. Many business opportunities are available for these women. If women identify their capacity, skills and the funds required for business then certainly a small business could be initiated.

Bachatgat from various regions across India have made a mark in the field of production and marketing skills. Rural women are connected to the main stream through bhaghat & self help groups from small villages. There have been improvement in Cleanliness, Education, Commerce and the economical status of women. A survey of 80% Bachatgat / self-help groups was conducted by Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan Mumbai. Information was gathered for finding the appropriate place to sell the quality products manufactured in the small villages. Supriya Sule established dialogue with various Bachatgat from different talukas and districts. From these discussions, it was evident that these women are producing quality products. But due to lack of appropriate market to sell their products or inability to individually market their products they were facing financial problems. In Maharashtra there are around 2,25,000 active Self Help Groups which we are trying to link with Yashaswini Abhiyan.

The Yashaswini Abhiyan began on January 3, 2008, the birth Anniversary of our inspiration, Savitribai Phule, the pioneer of women upliftment. Our Area of operation is the entire state of Maharashtra and its Self Help groups. 425 co-ordinators, comprising of 6 state level co-ordinators, 6 Divisional co-ordinators, 54 District co-ordinators (2 each for majority of districts), 359 Taluka co-ordinators are appointed to handle the task. Data collection about the different problems faced by the Self Help Groups in various parts of our state and its regions is being done through the Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan since the last 3 years. We have decided to provide complete Information about all the Self Help Groups through the website by 31st December 2008 which will contain data as on 30th September 2008.

The Founder

Almost 4 years back Supriya Sule started working actively for the upliftment of women below the poverty line. Through the untiring efforts of Supriya Sule, the founder of the Yashaswini Abhiyan, (a venture of Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan, Mumbai), SHG’s in Maharashtra is getting a very big boost. In future Supriya Sule also plans to take up issues like Health and the Education of these women working in SHG’s.

In the Year 2005, Hon. Shri Sharad Pawar President, Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan, Mumbai initiated the issue of financing the SHG’s at a lower rate interest, thereby strengthening the women in India. Later on when Supriya Sule took the lead in the SHG’s movement through “Yashaswini Abhiyan” she also consistently followed up with the Maharashtra Govt. for financing the SHG’s at an interest rate of 4% p.a. She made a detailed presentation on this issue to the Hon. Chief Minister & Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra State.

Finally Maharashtra Government in its cabinet meeting passed the resolution that SHG’s should be provided finance at 4% p.a. Because of this decision, almost 2,25,000 SHG’s and there by more 25,00,000 women members of these groups will be benefited. This is an historic achievement for the Yashaswini Abhiyan.

For more details visit : http://yashaswini.org