Trickle Up’s MPowered project, funded by Tata Communications, aims to empower women in India who live on less than USD 1.25 per day through interventions that support sustainable livelihood development. The project put the power of mobile smartphones directly into the hands of women striving daily to overcome conditions of extreme poverty and vulnerability, and numerous self-help groups were formed that gathered women together to build community and support networks on their journey to financial inclusion.
Recognizing the power of collective entrepreneurship, select self-help groups were transitioned into micro-enterprise groups to expand their business activities. The women in these groups worked together to start ventures in various trades, supported by structured business plans and trade-specific training.
In Bada Tendua village, eleven determined women formed the Shakti Mahila Aajeevika Microenterprise Group to break free from the cycle of seasonal labor and financial instability. Faced with inconsistent income from agricultural and migratory work, they sought more sustainable livelihoods through collective effort.
Their journey began by first building a diversified income base through poultry and goat farming. Then, they leveraged government support in their agricultural work to improve farming techniques and increase their yields.
Identifying a new opportunity in broom-making, they used locally available coconut leaves to produce and sell brooms at local haats (markets). Dividing responsibilities—some of the women focused on production, while others handled sales—they built a loyal customer base and secured steady demand. The impact of their partnership was immediate: they earned ₹6,500 from broom-making alone within the first three months. Plus, this diversification ensures consistent income, even during lean agricultural seasons.
Building on their success, the women of the microenterprise group invested their profits into a nursery business, growing seedlings like tomatoes, chilies, and eggplants to meet local market demand. Together, they achieved ₹1,500 in additional income from nursery sales in the first round of business and now have plans to expand to high demand crops to further increase their earnings. Despite challenges like seasonal disruptions and limited market reach, they adapted by adjusting production schedules and exploring new partnerships to expand their customer base.
The group’s success extends far beyond financial gains. Now, they can reduce their reliance on seasonal labor and migration, and their increased household savings now enables them to invest in education and family needs. The bonds between the women in the partnership grew stronger, establishing smoother teamwork and improving their individual decision-making skills.
Inspired by their achievements, the women aim to expand their nursery, increase broom production, and access advanced training and market linkages to sustain growth. “We started with nothing but determination and the support of each other,” said one of the members. “Today, we have created a business that sustains our families and inspires other women to dream bigger.”
Their microenterprise group stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and resilience. When women work together, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
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