From self-help to social change: Udaipur women transform their lives

By Bharat Dogra 

Guddi joined a self-help group (SHG) in Udaipur in search of livelihood opportunities based on patchwork. Over time, she progressed well enough to start a unit of her own and emerge as an entrepreneur. Om Kunwar similarly established her own tailoring and garment-stitching unit. Nutan has done even better. She came looking for work, but today she provides employment to more than 30 women through her crochet-based enterprise.

This journey began about two decades ago when Seva Mandir, a leading voluntary organization, started self-help groups based on small savings and part-time livelihood opportunities centred on patchwork and related skills. Employment opportunities expanded further with the establishment of Sadhna, a sister organization of Seva Mandir.

Since then, the number of SHGs has grown to around 150, with nearly 3,000 members. As Hemlata, who has played a key role in mobilization, explains, members initially saved only Rs. 30 to 50 per month. Today, their monthly savings have increased to Rs. 300 to 500. This has enabled SHGs to extend larger loans, helping members establish small enterprises as well as finance their children's higher education. Moreover, as several members pointed out, the interest payments and other small contributions made to the SHGs ultimately remain within the group, benefiting all members.

As the movement gained strength, it was able to reach more neglected parts of the city. Chand Bai, who made a significant contribution to mobilizing Muslim women, said that after some initial misunderstandings were resolved, feelings of neglect gave way to trust, enabling SHGs to flourish in these communities through unity and mutual support.

Beyond savings and livelihood support, the SHGs have encouraged women to play more independent and constructive roles in wider social affairs. Komal, who was once known to keep to herself, gained confidence through her growing social participation. During a day of torrential rain and strong winds, she bravely rescued several small children from a dangerous situation. Her courageous action was widely appreciated and inspired her to take on even greater social responsibilities.

United by a common purpose, these women have also intervened in several difficult situations to protect women facing domestic violence. Hemlata recalled one particularly serious case in which a woman was being brutally beaten. She stepped in to protect the victim. When the matter reached the police station, she was initially questioned about why she was repeatedly interfering in what was considered a family matter. However, after she identified herself as being associated with Seva Mandir, the police took her intervention seriously. The abusive family members came under pressure to stop the violence, and eventually the family situation improved, allowing the woman and her children to rebuild their lives.

This is only one among many instances in which SHG members have successfully intervened to resolve cases of domestic violence. According to Usha Kunwar, one of the movement's leaders, experience shows that once women in a slum or settlement become organized and visibly engaged in community affairs, incidents of violence and injustice often decline on their own. Women are also now better equipped to guide those facing abuse to counselling centres and the Mahila Thana (women's police station), which deals specifically with cases of violence against women.

Vimla Chauhan, who coordinates Seva Mandir's urban SHG initiative, says that the expanding social role of SHG members has helped resolve numerous civic problems in slums and low-income settlements. Thus, the benefits of SHG mobilization extend well beyond their membership. In some areas, water scarcity has been reduced and waste collection has improved due to collective action. In others, liquor shops that had become a nuisance were relocated away from residential neighbourhoods. Problems faced by students in schools have also been addressed. Access to government welfare schemes has improved, especially for persons with disabilities, elderly people, and widows seeking pension benefits.

As membership expanded and new groups were formed, individual SHGs were first brought together into clusters, which eventually led to the creation of a federation. The Mewar Mahila Shakti Federation (Federation for the Empowerment of Women of Mewar) has since gained wide recognition across the Mewar region, particularly in Udaipur, and increasingly beyond.

With its growing membership, the Federation has also strengthened the social and entrepreneurial capacities of women by providing more training opportunities. In regular meetings, special emphasis is placed on social equality and non-discrimination so that members can overcome barriers of caste, religion, and other forms of exclusion. They are also encouraged to promote equality within their communities. Although differences of opinion sometimes arise, these are generally resolved through discussion, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

The story of women like Guddi, Om Kunwar, and Nutan illustrates how self-help groups can become powerful platforms for economic empowerment, social leadership, and community transformation. What began as modest savings groups have evolved into institutions that not only improve livelihoods but also strengthen social justice, civic participation, and women's leadership across Udaipur.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children and Navjeevan. His website is bharatdogra.in and his YouTube channel is Bharat Dogra Save Earth Campaign