Empower SHGs: Women & PeoplewithDisabilities

In the year 2017 we came into contact with the women of G.Nuagaon of Bhanjanagar and started the process of making Union in this village and 40 women came forward and became members in the SEWA Union. Regular meeting and interaction was going on with the union members and also livelihood and skill training programme was also provided to all the members on Organic farming and cow rearing.

Most of the women were from vulnerable community and engaging themselves in daily labor work which was seasonal. The wages they earned was also insufficient. There was huge gap between male and female wages. Male members were getting Rs 200 and female members were getting Rs 100 only. With this wages it was very difficult to support their family and they were not able to fulfill the basic needs of their family like health and education.

Aaina had conducted training on organic farming in SAMBHAV, Nayagarh and 2 women from this village attended this training. They were highly influenced and took initiative of organic farming as they have land and there is irrigation facility nearby. During the month of November 2018 both the women started cabbage and bitter guard cultivation in their own 1 acre land. By the end of January 2019 they got Rs 20,000 as profit, they will receive another 20,000 each by the end of February. They are highly inspired. Not only they have supported their families but are being able to control over the resources and are part of decision making process in their respective families.

Earlier in this village some farmers were also doing vegetable cultivation but they are investing so much on purchase of hybrid seeds, fertilizers and pesticides along with labor charges. But in this organic cultivation both the women farmers only spent some amount in labor charges rest of the thing they have collected from their own including traditional seeds, cow dung etc.

The funds raised for the project was utilized towards organizing union meetings and purchase of raw materials for organic farming.

These two women actively participated and discussed their experience in the Union meeting and now all the members are interested for organic farming and in coming season 20 women farmers will practice this.

We are extremely thankful for your kind support towards reaching this milestone.

In future, we need to expand our areas of operation. We kindly request you to continue your genuine and valuable support. Please also make your dear friends aware of the same. Every donation matters and we count on you as our trusted partner.