National, 22^nd January 2025: Leading housing non-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity India in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank has culminated a groundbreaking initiative to empower women in rural Maharashtra and Odisha by promoting economic independence through livelihood and entrepreneurship development. The initiative - known as ‘Empowering Women and Improving Life through Livelihood Interventions’ – has supported 1104 women in the second phase by offering them essential skills, financial support, and access to markets.

In the first phase of the project, 969 women from 85 self-help groups (SHGs) in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha were provided with livelihood opportunities, helping them achieve greater financial independence.

The second phase focused on strengthening 96 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) and Beed districts of Maharashtra as well as Dhenkanal and Puri districts of Odisha. Through targeted capacity-building programmes, technical training and seed funding, SHGs have been empowered to start and scale micro-businesses in sectors such as home-based crafts, agriculture and agro-allied activities. The project also provided continuous support to women entrepreneurs through mentorship, financial literacy, bookkeeping training and awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene management.

“Zhanshi Chi Rani Ekal Mahila Bachat Gat is a Self-Help Group (SHG) established by single women, for single women. I knew nothing about running an enterprise, let alone handling a dal mill business. The unity of fellow women from our group, in-depth training and handholding support we received from Habitat for Humanity India helped me regain my confidence. It has given us not only a means of livelihood but also the strength to live with dignity. Nothing is impossible when women come together”, said Vidya More, a Habitat homeowner who set up a dal mill in collaboration with members of her SHG. 

Ranno Bala Jenna, an active member of the Mahima Mana Sarobar Self-Help Group in Dhenkanal said, “Our Self-Help Group began with 10 women and initially we focused only on saving INR 100 each month. But when Habitat for Humanity India introduced brass metal craft production to us, everything changed. Through their training, we learnt a new skill, a new craft and also the art of marketing and selling our products. I had only heard of ‘women empowerment’ before but now being able to earn and gaining my family’s respect — that to me is true empowerment.”

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Anand Kumar Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India, said, “At Habitat for Humanity India, we believe that empowering women is fundamental to building resilient and thriving communities. By equipping women with the skills, resources, and confidence that enables them to lead businesses, this partnership with Standard Chartered Bank is not only transforming lives but also creating a ripple effect of economic independence in rural Maharashtra and Odisha. Some of these women are Habitat homeowners. They are now entrepreneurs and change-makers, paving the way for stronger, more self-reliant communities. Their success stories are a testament to the power of collective action and the potential that lies within each of them.”

“At Standard Chartered Bank, we believe in fostering inclusive growth by empowering women to lead economically independent lives. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity India reflects this commitment as we work together to equip women, many of whom are Habitat homeowners, with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods. Through this initiative, we are not only supporting women in scaling their businesses but also creating a lasting impact on their families and communities. We are proud to stand with these remarkable women as they unlock new opportunities, drive local economies, and shape a brighter future for themselves and future generations,” said Ms. Karuna Bhatia, Head of Sustainability, India, Standard Chartered Bank. 

Micro-businesses initiated by SHGs include home-based enterprises such as applique art, agarbatti (incense sticks) making, bamboo and brass crafts; agriculture-based activities such as aquaculture, floriculture, mushroom, vegetable cultivation and agro-allied initiatives like dairy, goat rearing and poultry farming.

In Maharashtra, 36 SHGs comprising of 456 women have been supported to establish micro-enterprises at the grassroot level. In Odisha, 60 SHGs comprising of 648 women have been supported to start their micro-enterprises.

The aim of this project is to equip the women with leadership and technical skills, engage them in income generation activities and empower them to achieve strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. 

 About Habitat for Humanity India:

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The housing organisation has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In India since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 38 million people by helping them build or improve a place they can call home, build improved sanitation units and provide humanitarian aid and disaster resilient shelter solutions in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatindia.org 

For Media Inquiries 

Habitat for Humanity India

Ritwik Sawant, Director – Communications, Habitat for Humanity India

Email: [email protected]