Women’s Empowerment: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

In the villages around Kadavakurichi Reserved Forest, deep-rooted traditions have long held women back—limiting their education, financial independence, and leadership roles. But change is happening. CIRHEP is working to break these barriers, giving women the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take charge of their own futures.

How We Empower Women

Economic Independence – Strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) so women can access credit, start businesses, and achieve financial security.

Leadership & Advocacy – Training women to take active roles in community governance, speak up for their rights, and influence local decision-making.

Land & Property Rights – Ensuring women have equal access to land and resources, securing their role in sustainable farming and rural economies.

Health & Well-being – Improving access to maternal healthcare, reproductive rights education, and nutrition support for women and girls.

Empowering the Next Generation – Equipping adolescent girls with leadership skills, education, and gender rights awareness to break cycles of inequality.

Real Impact, Real Change

Over 100 women-led SHGs are driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

Thousands of women have been trained in leadership, legal rights, and climate resilience.

Rural and tribal women are gaining land rights and economic opportunities.

Maternal health and adolescent nutrition have improved through targeted programs.

At CIRHEP, we believe that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Every woman deserves the right to learn, lead, and build a better future—for herself and for generations to come.

 

Women’s Self-Help Groups: Empowering Rural Women Through Financial Independence

For over two decades, CIRHEP has been strengthening Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to uplift women in rural and tribal communities. These groups serve as a foundation for economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and social progress.

Through SHGs, CIRHEP has facilitated microcredit opportunities and established crucial bank linkages, allowing women to access formal financial systems. By saving money collectively each month, members develop financial discipline and a strong support network.

This initiative has enabled women to:

Secure bank loans for agriculture, land purchase, and livestock rearing, creating sustainable livelihoods.

Invest in income-generating activities, fostering financial stability and independence.

Access emergency funds for healthcare, children’s education, and household needs, improving their overall well-being.

Beyond financial empowerment, SHGs build solidarity and leadership among women, strengthening their voices in community decision-making and rural governance. By breaking barriers to gender equality, CIRHEP’s initiative has not only enhanced economic resilience but also transformed social dynamics in rural Tamil Nadu.

When women thrive, communities grow stronger.

Women's self-help group and milk society in Seethapuram

 Empowering Women Beyond Economic Independence

CIRHEP’s vision for Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) extends beyond financial empowerment. It seeks to enable women to participate equally in family and community decision-making, breaking societal barriers and fostering gender equality.

To achieve this, CIRHEP conducts training and capacity-building programs that equip women with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enhance their social and economic status. Over the past 20 years, CIRHEP has trained women in entrepreneurship and income-generating skills, including:

Handicrafts

Honey processing

Sustainable agriculture and cultivation

Additionally, women receive training in accountancy and bookkeeping, ensuring that SHGs operate independently and sustainably.

Awareness & Advocacy for Women’s Rights

Capacity building goes beyond economic activities. CIRHEP conducts awareness programs on:

Women’s rights – Educating women on legal rights, gender equality, and leadership.

Health & education – Empowering women to prioritize their well-being and advocate for their children’s future.

Through CIRHEP’s initiatives, women gain confidence, build networks, and support one another, fostering a stronger and more resilient community. When women thrive, entire communities move forward.

Stronger together, women leading change.

A women SHG making flower garlands to sell at the market

Building Financial Independence Through Income Generation

CIRHEP empowers women by equipping them with skills for sustainable income-generating activities, enabling them to achieve financial independence and active participation in society.

Skill Development & Market Access

Women receive hands-on training in flower cultivation and garland making, gaining expertise in:

Organic flower cultivation techniques

Garland making and craftsmanship

Market demand analysis and pricing strategies

Financial management, bookkeeping, and sustainability

With access to resources, networks, and commercial markets, women establish successful enterprises, contribute to the local economy, and showcase their skills at cultural and celebratory events.

Beyond financial benefits, these activities help women step outside societal constraints, build confidence, and gain social recognition.

CIRHEP’s Holistic Approach to Women’s Empowerment

CIRHEP’s women’s empowerment initiatives include:

Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) – Strengthening financial inclusion and collective support.

Promoting Thrift & Credit – Encouraging savings and financial discipline.

Training & Capacity Building – Providing knowledge in microcredit, bookkeeping, and accountancy.

Credit Linkage with Banks – Facilitating access to formal banking and loans.

Savings & Internal Lending – Encouraging self-reliance and mutual support.

Diverse Income Generation Activities, including:

Milch animal rearing

Flower and garland making

Running small businesses and petty shops

By linking women with commercial banks and markets, CIRHEP paves the way for economic resilience and long-term empowerment.

Stronger women, thriving communities.

Empowering Women Through Collective Strength

Nagammal and her Self-Help Group (SHG) in Seethapuram village exemplify the transformative power of women’s collectives. Once confined to their farms, these women now run a thriving dairy enterprise, proving that financial inclusion, capacity-building, and collective action can drive lasting change.

Key Achievements of the Seethapuram SHG

Financial Independence – Regular savings and strategic investments have strengthened their economic stability.

Sustainable Livelihoods – Each member owns three to four milch animals, producing 15 liters of milk daily, ensuring a steady income.

Market Linkages – By leveraging a milk society and shared chilling unit, they prevent wastage and sell at competitive prices.

Bank Access & Loan Repayment – The group has successfully secured and repaid bank loans, enabling further investments.

Social Security & Mutual Support – Their common savings fund provides financial assistance for medical emergencies, education, and farming needs.

Through training, skill development, and economic empowerment, these women have become self-reliant decision-makers, shaping their own futures and inspiring others in their community.

CIRHEP’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

CIRHEP continues to support and scale such initiatives by:

Expanding SHGs and financial literacy programs

Providing skill-based training and market access

Strengthening women’s leadership and rights awareness

Facilitating bank linkages and sustainable income activities

From financial hardship to economic resilience, Nagammal and her SHG stand as proof that empowered women create thriving communities.

Nagammal

20 years ago

  • Lack of financial resources
  • Isolation and limited
  • opportunities
  • Absence of financial
  • knowledge 
  • Limited social and economic mobility:

Activities applied

  • Formation of self- help groups
  • Training &
  • capacity building
  • Credit linkage with banks
  • Promotion of income
  • generation activities

Today

  • Economic empowerment
  • Financial literacy and capacity building
  • Social inclusion and support
  • Increased social standing and decision-making power

Women's empowerment ACHIEVMENTS

During the last 20 years

 

  • Economic Empowerment: Through the introduction of women’s self-help groups (SHGs), microcredit and linking women with banks and access to loans, CIRHEP has empowered women to invest in agriculture, purchase land, acquire milch animals, etc. This has enhanced their economic independence and improved their social standing.
  • Financial Sustainability: Through training in accountancy and bookkeeping, the women’s SHGs have become self-sustaining and capable of operating independently, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of their activities.
  • Entrepreneurship and Skill Development: CIRHEP’s training programs have equipped women with entrepreneurship and income-generating skills such as handicraft making, honey processing,flower cultivation, and garland making. As a result, women have been able to contribute to the localeconomy and participate actively in the society beyond their homes.
  • Women’s Rights and Awareness: CIRHEP’s awareness programs has also educated women about their rights, health, and education. By empowering women with knowledge, these programs have encouraged women to assert their rights, challenge gender-based inequalities, andbecome advocates for change in their communities.
  • Social Network and Support: Through participation in the women’s SHGs and capacity-building programs, women have gained a supportive network where they can share knowledge and support each other’s empowerment.

In summary CIRHEP’s dedicated efforts have empowered women in rural communities surrounding the Kadavakurichi Reserved Forest. Through self-help groups, access to credit, and skills training, women have gained economic independence, elevated their social standing, and contributed to the local economy. Awareness programs on women’s rights have sparked transformative change, enabling women to challenge gender-based inequities and become advocates for progress.CIRHEP’s holistic approach has helped to create a more inclusive society where women actively participate in decision- making, driving positive transformations in their lives and communities.