Caring for the People Living in the Slums of Chennai, India

Women Empowerment Programs

Women living in the slums of Saidapet hold various jobs, often working as domestic help, and as small vendors such as flower vendors, fish vendors and produce vendors. NLWS supports these women in such endeavors and more, serving approximately 5600 of them in the past three years. NLWS believes that providing women with the means of economic development builds the confidence necessary for social change in a traditionally hostile environment for women to assert themselves. Indeed, NLWS has found that women who participate in our programs come forward to address the social problems closest to home such as the drinking problems of their husbands or the lack of emphasis on their children's education. They were even willing to take up these issues with local authorities such as corporation (municipal government) and police officials.

Objectives

1) To ensure improved socio-economic condition through savings and micro-credit

2) To generate knowledge and awareness on health & gender issues, legal issues  

3) To enhance their leadership qualities to enable them to assert themselves in the community

Strategies

1) Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs)

2) Training and sensitization programs

3) Training, seminars, and discussion groups in income generation

Results

1) Near 100% repayment of all micro-loans mediated by NLWS

2) Loans were obtainable at interest rates

3) Benefits were obtained from government schemes

4) Enough income to start savings

5) Awareness of health and social issues such as HIV/AIDS, STIs, and gender issues

6) More socially assertive in their homes and communities

Evaluation Methods

1) Number of SHGs formed

2) Number of loans

3) Number and details of women attending Corporation Health Centers for treatment

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Last modified: 08/12/08