Empowering Rural Women: The Triumph of Grassroots Entrepreneurship
Meet Gangasagar Padhgan, a beacon of empowerment in Khanepuri village, located in Jalna District of Maharashtra. Her incredible journey from adversity to success reflects the struggles many rural women endure, and the transformative power of determination and education in a woman’s life. Married young and facing many health challenges, Gangasagar tai’s financial struggles pushed her to establish a Self-Help Group (SHG) in 2013. Despite facing isolation and discrimination caused by her illness, she successfully formed a Self Help Group with twelve women, and secured a crucial loan of Rs.15,000 from the government’s UMED program.
In 2014, Gangasagar tai kickstarted a tailoring business, later expanding into a flour mill in 2020. The turning point came in 2023 when she attended the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) training by SSP. This 6-day intensive program transformed her approach to business, teaching her vital skills in planning, financial management, record-keeping, and marketing.
Today, Gangasagar tai runs a flourishing enterprise, selling a diverse range of flours and snacks. Mentored by SSP leaders, she embraced digital literacy, marketing her products online and expanding her customer base beyond local boundaries. Earning a monthly profit of Rs. 5000, today Gangasagar tai not only contributes to household expenses, but also garners respect and recognition in her community for her work in empowering other women. The training was supported by UMED-MSRLM (Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission) under SVEP Program (Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Program).
Gangasagar Tai’s success is not just about personal triumph; it’s a testament to the importance of building grassroots women’s entrepreneurship and the need for continued support, training, and opportunities for rural women. These endeavors not only uplift individual lives but contribute to the overall economic and social development of rural areas.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
December 05, 2023