Sowing Strength – Savita’s Journey
Savita Shivaji Runje studied up to the 10th grade before getting married and raising a family. She worked as a farmer with limited income and struggled to support her household. In 2002, she came across SSP and began her journey from there. She adopted women-led climate resilient farming practices (#WCRF) and increased her earnings, enabling her to educate her children and secure her family’s future.
Savita has become a respected community leader, farmer, and educator. She played a vital role in making her village Open Defecation Free by leading sanitation drives. She formed 15 women’s savings groups with 150 members, promoting financial literacy, savings, and collective action. These groups became platforms for women to launch small businesses.
Under her leadership, 43 women have started their own enterprises, and many have benefited from government schemes. She also volunteered as a schoolteacher for two years in the absence of a teacher, earning praise from the Block Education Officer.
Her savings groups generate INR 6 lakhs annually, supporting microloans for women-led businesses. Savita herself earns INR 2.5 lakhs per year through organic farming. Her efforts have empowered women to become financially independent and respected decision-makers. She envisions a future where women lead rural progress through sustainable farming, entrepreneurship, and technology, creating resilient and empowered communities.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
26th May, 2025