ODAM has facilitated the formation of more than 770 Women’s Self-Help groups working together toward economic and personal achievement. Through a micro-credit framework, ODAM ’s vast SHG network provides more than 12,000 women (and their families) with socio-economic opportunities to better their livelihoods.

ODAM ’s current role in the program is to assist with loan acquisition and repayment, provide organizational support, and provide extensive trainings on small business practices, financial management, leadership, and a series of vocational trainings on art, tailoring, soap making, and so on.  (ODAM 's role will be changing as the SHG program transitions into an autonomous federation over the coming years.)  Most of the groups use their loans to begin their own small business (grocery stores, kitchen shops, tailoring, etc). In addition to providing income support, involvement in the SHGs helps to connect women from remote villages with the larger community and build a stronger sense of self-worth in its members.

Pictures about Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs):