sssk blog 15

1. Nari Shashktikaran in Gujarat: Promoting Financial Literacy and Self-Reliance Among Women Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools for women’s empowerment. When women understand how to manage money, save, invest, and access financial services, they gain confidence and control over their lives. Our NGO’s Nari Shashktikaran programs in Gujarat — covering Ambaji, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Abu Road, and Ahmedabad — aim to build financial independence among women and young girls through targeted education and support. Why Financial Literacy Is Essential for Empowerment In many homes, women handle daily expenses but have limited knowledge about formal banking, savings plans, or government schemes. Many women are still excluded from decision-making in family finance due to: Lack of financial education Limited access to bank accounts or mobile banking Fear or hesitation in dealing with formal institutions Cultural norms that discourage financial independence That’s why we focus on simple, local-language training that equips women with practical money- management skills. Our Financial Empowerment Model We follow a step-by-step approach to financial literacy: Basic training in savings, budgeting, and spending Awareness of financial products like bank accounts, fixed deposits, insurance, and government subsidies Support in opening accounts and using digital tools (like mobile banking and UPI) Group discussions to boost confidence and share success stories Follow-up support through local coordinators and community mentors This model makes learning easy, practical, and sustainable. Ambaji: Rural Women Learning to Save and Budget In the temple town of Ambaji, many tribal and rural women earn seasonal incomes but struggle to manage their resources. We conduct: Small group workshops on saving daily earnings Guidance on household budgeting and managing festival spending Awareness on formal savings schemes and women-specific bank accounts Handholding support to open Jan Dhan Yojana and post office accounts

2. This leads to better financial stability and less dependency during lean periods. Banaskantha: Access to Banking and Government Schemes Women in Banaskantha’s rural belts are now being trained to: Understand the benefits of direct benefit transfers (DBT) Access widow pensions, health insurance, and crop-related subsidies Use debit cards and passbooks to track their transactions Learn about self-help savings options and cooperative banking These interventions help women participate in the formal economy and take charge of their rights. Mehsana: Digital Financial Literacy for Young Women In the semi-urban areas of Mehsana, we provide financial education with a digital focus: UPI payments, mobile banking apps, and digital safety Online bill payments and digital budgeting tools Understanding financial scams and cyber safety for women Linking digital literacy with income-generating opportunities This prepares younger women for today’s fast-evolving financial systems. Abu Road: Tribal Women Gaining Control Over Their Finances In the tribal hills of Abu Road, women often lack access to banks or ATMs. Our programs offer: Financial literacy through community meetings in tribal languages Training in storing cash safely and using bank agents Learning to plan for festivals, medical emergencies, and household repairs Encouragement to discuss finances with family members openly This builds habits of savings and long-term planning in even the most remote locations. Ahmedabad: Urban Women Balancing Household and Financial Roles In Ahmedabad’s low-income neighborhoods, women juggle household expenses, child care, and part- time work. We support them with: Budgeting sessions and home finance tracking Assistance in accessing microloans for small home businesses Education on saving through chit funds, RD accounts, and LIC policies Guidance in applying for welfare schemes like Ujjwala Yojana and PM Awas Yojana These efforts help them build long-term financial security for their families. Outcomes of Our Financial Literacy Programs Increased number of women with active bank accounts

3. More women independently handling family finances Women saving money for emergencies, education, and health Greater use of digital payments and reduced cash dependency Improved understanding of government schemes and benefits Financial literacy is not just about money — it’s about confidence and independence. How You Can Support Women’s Financial Empowerment Sponsor financial education kits or workshops Donate smartphones or devices for digital learning Collaborate to offer banking products for low-income women Volunteer time to teach or mentor a group Share real success stories to inspire others Conclusion From the tribal hamlets of Abu Road to the busy slums of Ahmedabad, women across Gujarat are learning to take control of their finances. Our Nari Shashktikaran initiatives ensure they not only learn the value of money but also how to use it wisely. When women understand money, they build stronger futures — for themselves, their children, and their communities.