STATUS NOTE ON SWAYAMSIDHA (DELHI)

The vision of Swayamsidha is to develop empowered women who will have increased access to and control over material, social and political resources, which will also have enhanced awareness and improved skills and be able to raise issues of common concern through mobilization and networking. This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for overall empowerment of women by creating Self Help Groups, creation of confidence and awareness among the group members regarding status, health, nutrition, education, sanitation, hygiene, legal rights, economic upliftment etc.

The scheme was launched in 2001-02 for five years i.e. 2001-05. This is being implemented in 3 Blocks of Delhi- Mehrauli, Alipur and Shakurpur through NGOs as per the approval of Govt. of India. The scheme was extended for one year till 2006. Deptt. of Social Welfare did not get the approval of Action Plan as the extension of the scheme for communicated at the fag end of the year. Now, the scheme is again extended further for one year i.e. 2007. This year, the Action Plan is being submitted to Govt. of India for approval and release of funds. Till now, 30 villages in three Districts have been covered. 276 SHGs have been formed with 3456 women members. They have started saving and inter-loaning amongst themselves.

Training programmes are being organized for developing IEC materials on SHG formation and strengthening of the SHG. Sensitization and awareness programme, health check up, immunization are being organized through meetings, visits to hospital/dispensary and camps for women. A weeklong SHG Members Training Programme on Food & Nutrition Education with support of Food & Nutrition Board, Department of Women & Child Development, Govt. of India was organized.

Training programme on Leadership & Communication was organized in collaboration with State Bank of India. Exposure visits & Experience Sharing workshop was conducted for Gender Sensitization, Cluster formation and development of Micro Entrepreneur-ship.

Members of SHGs were referred to NGOs for receiving vocational training in cutting-tailoring, computer education and typing and masala grinding. Orientation programme with Urban Development on SJSRY and its convergence with Swayamsidha was organized.

Special Stree Shakti camps (a special feature of Department of Social Welfare under Bhagidari Scheme) was organized for the members of SHGs so that they can avail the facilities provided in these camps like legal awareness, health check up & other issues related to women. The efforts have resulted into increased awareness level of women about their rights.

The members have started discussing & addressing the issues related to women(legal, social, economic, etc.) which is leading towards women empowerment.