How SHGs Are Transforming the Lives of Rural Women in Rajasthan

In the heart of Rajasthan’s sun-drenched villages, a quiet revolution is reshaping the destiny of rural women. Once bound by fewer opportunities and traditional norms, hundreds of women are now stepping into roles of entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers, thanks to Self-Help Groups (SHGs). 

These grassroots collectives are not just about microfinance; they are powerful engines of empowerment, unity, and economic self-reliance. 

This blog dives into the inspiring journey of how SHGs are inspiring women across Rajasthan.

The first story is of Saroj Devi from Parbila, Rajasthan. Saroj Devi’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how innovative farming methods can transform lives. Saroj Devi, a dedicated farmer, faced numerous challenges such as erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited resources. 

She overcame these challenges by adopting multilayer farming, a technique that not only boosted her farm's productivity but also greatly enhanced her family's food security.

WOTR, a women's empowerment NGO in Rajasthan, with the support of YES foundation, helped Saroj Devi by addressing the challenges she faced in adopting multilayer farming. 

• Training and Capacity Building: The WOTR provided Saroj Devi with training on multilayer farming techniques, helping her understand how to use her land more efficiently by growing multiple crops. 

• Access to Resources and Inputs: The Yes Foundation offered financial support to purchase necessary resources. 

• Technical Assistance: Experts from the WOTR provided ongoing technical assistance, guiding Saroj Devi through the challenges of multilayer farming.

Ugnati Meena is a part of an SHG called Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RGAVP), a skill development initiative run by the Ministry of Rural Development. Ugnati Meena shares that since joining the group nearly a decade ago, she has been able to support her family financially and bring about a positive change in her life. She adds that the products made by her group provide each member with a steady income, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their household expenses.

With the support of the SHG, Ugnati and her group create a variety of handmade home decor items, such as bandarwals, chains, earrings, jute and khadi bags, along with several other crafts. People really appreciate the products made by Ugnati and her group, and because of that, they are earning a good income due to the increasing demand for the products. 

One SHG member began preparing roasted namkeen and papad, while another, with support from fellow group members, started making a variety of papads, sherbet, and other traditional food items.

Moreover, SHGs also provide women with access to loans, which they are able to repay comfortably and with ease.

In the end, the stories of Saroj Devi, Ugnati Meena, and hundreds of rural women in Rajasthan are powerful reminders that when women are given a helping hand and the right tools, they can rise above limitations and lead transformative change in their communities.

From sustainable farming to handmade crafts and food enterprises, SHGs are not just improving livelihoods but are restoring dignity, building confidence, and paving the way for a more inclusive rural economy. As these grassroots movements gain momentum across Rajasthan, they are not only empowering women but also sowing the seeds for long-term socio-economic development.