Goal: To improve the quality of life and achieve greater self-reliance by forming local cooperative village banks, encouraging small business enterprises and organizing women's groups to deal with the problems of exploitation, alcoholism and discrimination.
Accomplishments:
15 villages have formed women's cooperative banks, the capital for which is provided completely by the local women. The combined capital of these banks currently totals Rs. 200,000 (US$ 6000) with 2 annual rotations. Loan recoveries have been close to 99% or better, compared to nationalized banks' performance in the rural sector of less than 40%.
10 local income producing enterprises have been funded in the past year by these banks.
In 1994, with the help of OXFAM of India, SVT and a group of ten other voluntary agencies organized a conference of women's groups at Anakapalli in which over 10,000 members participated. These women, along with representatives of the eleven voluntary agencies, were able to discuss their problems, distill their common experiences and needs, and then suggest solutions for improving the quality of their lives. From the consensus emerged an action plan that was well received by the Indian government. This process demonstrated the effectiveness of organization and cooperation in bringing about social change.
SVT women's groups participated in a state-wide movement that resulted in the successful modification of policies regarding the sale of government alcohol in the villages.
The women's cooperative banks have provided an important alternative to the usurious lending practices of private money lenders.
Immediate Plans:
To expand the women's bank program to over 100 villages and achieve total capitalization of Rs. 5,000,00 to 10,000,000 (US$ 150,000 - 300,000) by the year 2000.
To encourage small business development in the 100 villages.
To encourage and support the organization of women for the achievement of their educational and social goals.
