MPOWERED Project
The MPOWERED Project is a livelihood and empowerment initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of rural women and marginalized communities through entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and leadership development. The project focuses on transforming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into Micro-Enterprise Groups (MEGs)-enabling participants to move from subsistence to sustainable income generation.
Implemented by Chetna Vikas in Raneshwar Block, Dumka district with the support of TrickleUp India Foundation, the project aims to create a resilient and inclusive rural economy by fostering self-reliance, skill enhancement, and collective enterprise development.
Objectives
• Empower rural women through entrepreneurship, leadership, and decision-making opportunities.
• Facilitate the transformation of SHGs into viable MEGs with market-linked business models.
• Enhance access to finance and convergence with government schemes and programs.
• Build capacities in business planning, production, marketing, and digital literacy.
• Promote sustainable livelihoods through diversification and value addition in local products.
Key Interventions
• Entrepreneurship Development: Training on enterprise selection, planning, financial literacy, and business management.
• Leadership & Coaching: Strengthening confidence, negotiation skills, and group decision-making.
• Market Linkages: Connecting producers with buyers, institutions, and digital marketplaces.
• Financial Inclusion: Linking women entrepreneurs with formal banking systems and credit facilities.
• Convergence Support: Facilitating access to government welfare, livelihood, and skill development programs.
Target Beneficiaries:
The project primarily targets women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from vulnerable and marginalized communities-especially those living in poverty or facing limited access to resources and markets. It nurtures local leadership and fosters community-based enterprises rooted in inclusivity and sustainability.
Expected Outcomes:
• Strengthened capacity and confidence of women entrepreneurs.
• Increased household income and reduced dependency on informal credit sources.
• Sustainable micro-enterprises linked with formal markets and supply chains.
• Stronger local institutions promoting gender equity and collective growth.
• Enhanced convergence between SHGs, government departments, and private sector actors.
Impact Stories
• Across project locations, the MPOWERED initiative has helped rural women take charge of their economic futures-establishing enterprises in BYP, Goatry, Piggery, Puffed Rice, Green Leaf Plate and Bamboo made products. These stories reflect the project’s vision of empowering women to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers in their communities.
• Till date more than sixteen lakhs revenue they have generated. Total 88 groups linked with the market.
• Seven green leaf plate making machine and one puffed rice making machine installed in the project area.
