SAMPARC WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
SAMPARC WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Near Malavli Railway Station, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune – 410405,
Project Incharge: SAMPARC Mob: +91 9766343456
The SAMPARC Women Empowerment Program was initiated in 1992 with a focus on improving the lives of rural women through health, hygiene, and livelihood interventions. The program began with the installation of 400 smokeless ovens across 12 villages in Maval Taluka, a move that served as the foundation for engaging closely with village women. This initial contact opened the door for deeper community-based interventions.
With support from CRY and Concern India Foundation, Mumbai, SAMPARC conducted extensive capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening women’s understanding of personal and community health, hygiene practices, safe drinking water, nutrition, maternal and child care, women’s legal rights, and preventive health practices related to alcohol abuse and sexually transmitted infections. These sessions also emphasized household management, group dynamics, and the principles of collective action.
In 1997, the program evolved to include economic empowerment through the formation of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups focused on encouraging savings, providing microloans within the community, and fostering financial independence. Training programs were conducted regularly to enhance the women’s understanding of savings group management, microfinance operations, and small-scale enterprise development in areas such as agriculture, animal husbandry, poultry farming, dairy, fruit tree cultivation, and rural retail businesses.
The program’s major milestone was the establishment of a Credit Co-operative Society—formed and operated by SHG members themselves—marking a significant leap toward financial self-reliance and sustainability. Today, the SAMPARC Women Empowerment Program has empowered over 6,000 women across 42 villages, enabling them to become active contributors to their families and communities.
By integrating health, education, legal literacy, and economic opportunity, the SAMPARC Women Empowerment Program has created a replicable model for grassroots women-led transformation in rural India.
Output
More than 5000 women of 182 SHG’s from 25 villages are involved.
IMPACT
Improved Social, Economical & Political status for the women.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Women are able look after family’s financial needs and bold enough to participate in Panchayat & Social Development activities.
MORE ABOUT SAMPARC WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The program has linked with government activities and it is one of an active program managed by women’s group managed by themselves.
SAMPARC along with Habitat for Humanity and Jimmy Carter Works Project provided 100 houses to its 100 Women Members. The program is the link between community and SAMPARC in the various social and cultural arena.
