Women self-help groups meet held in Bhubaneshwar

BHUBANESHWAR - Adhikar, a non-governmental organisation facilitated the third Cooperative Convention which brought together more than 500 members of self help groups (SHG) from across Orissa on one platform in Bhubaneswar.

The objective of the two-day event that began on Thursday was to provide self-help groups marketing and financial assistance.

Each group displayed its products in a stall and shared the experiences and problems related to products with members of other self help groups.

Despite the state government’s efforts many such groups in the state are not linked with financial institutions. They are facing problems in getting the marketing platform.

“A SHG can’t solve problems alone. We have organised this fair so that one member can learn from other member’s experience. Members can also share their experience and tell their problems,” said Malanjari Mishra, convener, Adhikar.

Elina, a Pondicherry-based researcher introduced participants to the benefits of bio mass stove, an eco-friendly stove. They were also advised to market this stove on commission basis.

“Absolutely fantastic, I think getting women to have more power and more control in whatever they can do, and being able to afford, to purchase things that improve living conditions, and to start business on their own is really fantastic. Adhikar and organistions in other regions are stepping forward for the cause,” said Elina.

Participants were motivated to bring changes in their policies to empower themselves.

Orissa has 3.87 lakh women SHGs with a membership of 46 lakh. Besides, SHG federations have also been constituted at the district, block and gram panchayat levels. By Sharada Lahangir (ANI)