Empowering women is synonymous with empowering society. As the saying goes, "Educate
a woman, and you educate a nation." In today's world, the focus is shifting from mere growth
to holistic development, and this transformation must include women, who have long been
among the most marginalized and oppressed groups globally.
In response to the challenges posed by a globalized world, women's groups such as Mathar
Sangams, grassroots movements, and women's collectives have emerged to advocate for
equality and social justice. One of the most impactful developments in recent years has been
the rise of Self Help Groups (SHGs), which have become vital platforms for women's
empowerment.
Marialaya, committed to working with the downtrodden and marginalized communities of the
21st century, has embraced the Self Help Group model as a core strategy for women's
empowerment. Since 2001, we have been implementing this initiative to help women build
self-confidence, develop financial discipline through savings, and acquire the strength to face
life's challenges with resilience.
Today, Marialaya supports and facilitates 352 active Self Help Groups across Chennai,
providing thousands of women with the tools, training, and support they need to stand on
their own feet and lead empowered lives.
Enhancing the potentialities of women through integral approach that leads to wholesome development.
Under this scheme, any woman is eligible to become a member of a Self Help Group, regardless of religion or caste. Women between the ages of 18 and 60 years can join. Both married and unmarried women from slum communities are also eligible to become members.
The primary aim of forming a Self Help Group (SHG) for women is to enable them to
support themselves and one another. Secondly, all women who are part of the SHG should be
united in rendering service to society and to those around them.
Members are usually selected from the same street or locality, with each group consisting of
12 to 20 members. The group collectively chooses a name for the SHG, along with selecting
three key leaders: the Animator, First Representative, and Second Representative. These three
leaders play a vital role in the functioning and management of the group.
Based on the NGO's recommendation, a bank account is opened in the names of the three
nominated leaders to facilitate group transactions and savings.
Every week, in the presence of all members, the savings amount is collected during the group meeting. Each member saves a minimum of ₹100, along with ₹5 as a subscription fee. The total amount collected is deposited in the bank on the same day or the following day.
Women engage in various small-scale industries such as mini hotels, snack sales, wood
trading, gold-covered jewellery, textiles, flower vending, petty shops, Xerox centres,
computer services, candle making, incense stick manufacturing, phenol production, plastic
item manufacturing, mineral water supply, tailoring, and vegetable vending. Through these
activities, they earn a decent livelihood with substantial returns.
In the process, they become well acquainted with banks that provide financial assistance.
These women also unite to create social awareness, using their skills and talents for the
betterment of the community and the welfare of society. In doing so, they also assert their
rights and work towards having them fulfilled.