Home / All Socio-economic Activities / Financial & Investment Literacy Workshop for Women artisans…A holistic development initiative for underprivileged women…
In India, where gender inequality and economic challenges are mostly integrated, empowering women with financial and investment literacy can be transformative, specially for the underprivileged women. It can enable them to manage their finances effectively, make informed decisions about savings and investments, and build a secure and independent future for themselves and their families. They often rely on meagre incomes and limited access to financial resources. Thus, by teaching these women how to save, manage their money, and set financial goals, we can break the cycle of poverty, reduce financial vulnerability, and create a more equitable society.
For underprivileged women, having the ability to save, even in small amounts, can create a financial cushion that provides security in times of need. Many women in rural and urban low-income communities struggle with uncertain incomes, and without savings, they are vulnerable to economic shocks like illness, job loss, or unexpected expenses. Savings literacy helps women understand the importance of setting aside money for emergencies and future needs. In many households, women are often excluded from financial decision-making, and their financial needs are met only when others allow it. By learning how to save and manage their own money, women take control over their financial lives.
Therefore, SETU organized a workshop of Financial & investment literacy for the under-privileged women artisans at the SETU Community Centre, Jaipur. The investment counsellor of State Bank of India, Mr. Mahesh Panwar, conducted the workshop.
The main objectives of the workshop were to help achieve the following:
Various topics were covered in the workshop like importance of small savings and investments. Different types of saving & investment schemes such as SIP plans, fixed deposits, RDs, MIS, PPF, mutual funds, life insurance schemes, Gold ETM schemes, etc. were covered. The power of compound interest was explained in detail. Various Govt schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, National Pension Schemes, accidental insurance plans, Sukanya yojana, SHG schemes, etc were described. Govt schemes on how to take loans for micro & small-scale businesses, especially for women were explained. All eligibility criteria, documentation required and how to prepare them were also updated. Loan schemes for open street vendors were also discussed. It was informed on how not to fall prey to agents, mediators, private money lenders and non-registered co-operative banks. Instead, they should put their savings with reliable banks and post offices. It was an interactive session and women were encouraged to ask questions and share their concerns & experiences.
Sanitary napkin packets & snacks were distributed to all participants to encourage interaction. A total of about 80 women attended the workshop.
SETU hopes that such awareness & collective women empowerment will help break barriers to financial independence and promote social change in the long run. Such steps have a ripple effect, as empowered women are more likely to reinvest in their children’s education and health, ensuring better prospects for the next generation.
