When a woman rises, a whole family rises
In rural India men are usually the breadwinners, yet countless women work just as hard for little pay and no financial freedom. High-interest moneylenders trapped many families in debt. In 2000, READ’s founder began organising women into self-help groups to change that — for good.
From debt to dignity
READ started self-help groups that offered skill training, short courses and small micro-finance loans so women could launch their own businesses instead of borrowing at crushing interest.
That same year the Government of India launched a five-year SHG & bank-loan scheme. READ’s groups were linked into it — READ forms and mentors the groups, while partner banks provide the credit, with women earning together and sharing profits.
The goal
Empower women to build a team and create opportunities that improve their financial state, based on each group’s own skills and interests.
Form the groups
Bring interested women together in groups of 12–20 and give each group its own name and identity.
Build leadership
Each group elects a President, Secretary and Treasurer with clear roles to manage their finances.
Mentor & grow
Training in budgeting, saving, loan repayment and time management — then ongoing support on their entrepreneurship journey.
Three decades of impact
Women at work
Group formation
Monthly group meeting
Micro-finance in actionHelp a woman start her own business
Your gift seeds a livelihood that lifts an entire family.
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