Women Empowerment

Since it began, Netrika Foundation has worked for the social, economic and political empowerment of women. We do this mainly by forming and strengthening self-help groups (SHGs) in our working areas.

Financial and social self-reliance for women

How women’s groups empower their members

Our women’s groups work in three connected ways.

Save together

Members make mandatory savings, and the groups work toward financial inclusion for every woman.

Earn with confidence

Microfinance and entrepreneurial skill development help women move toward economic activities of their own.

Stand together

Social solidarity helps women combat dowry and child marriage, and strengthens their decision-making power.

Where we work

Netrika works today in East and West Champaran in Bihar. The foundation describes these districts as economically, educationally, socially, medically and politically backward. Women and children are one of our core target groups.

East Champaran
West Champaran
Sitamarhi
Sheohar
Muzaffarpur

Highlighted districts are where we work at present. The others are also listed among our operational areas. In future we plan to work across India wherever our help is needed.

One of our core values Gender Equity and Development

We aim to uplift backward and marginalised sections of society, including women, children, farmers, construction labourers, street vendors, Dalits and disabled people.

What a women’s group gives its members

Our aim is to train women and motivate them toward financial and social self-reliance, through group formation and by linking them with economic activities.

A group of their ownSelf-help groups formed and strengthened in our working areas.
SavingsMandatory savings that build a habit of putting money aside.
Access to moneyFinancial inclusion and microfinance.
SkillsEntrepreneurial skill development and training.
A stronger voiceSolidarity against dowry and child marriage, and more say in decisions.

Beyond the group

Empowerment also means knowing your rights and having somewhere to turn. Netrika supports women in these ways.

Rights and advocacyWomen’s rights are among the issues we have raised at block, district and state level on different platforms.
People’s information centresWe work to give people information on government welfare schemes and on legal and human rights, through information centres and awareness drives.
Forums for womenWe form issue-based community organisations that give women a place to put forward their problems.
Shelter for those in needWe are making efforts to provide temporary and permanent shelter for needy women, elders and children.

Netrika is a women-headed organisation

Within the organisation, women are given equal opportunity and place. The foundation is women headed, and takes care of the interests of women both inside the organisation and in its programmes.

Equal placeWomen have equal opportunity and place in the organisation.

Extra supportWomen are given additional holidays and incentives as per policy.

Experienced guidanceTrustee Mrs. Sangita Shaw, a social worker, has 12 years of experience in women’s empowerment.

Work with us for women’s empowerment

To start a women’s group, partner with us, or learn more about our work, please get in touch.

Become a Member Email the Foundation

Opp-Rahmania Hospital, Block Road, Bhawanipur Zirat, Motihari, Bihar 845401