About Mann deshi foundation
Mann Deshi Foundation: Empowering Rural Women through Economic Development
Mann Deshi Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the economic empowerment of rural women in India. The foundation was established in 1996 by Chetna Gala Sinha, a social activist who recognized the need for financial inclusion and entrepreneurship training for women living in poverty.
The foundation operates two main programs: Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Udyogini. The bank provides affordable and easy access to credit for women entrepreneurs, while Udyogini offers training, mentoring, and support services to help women start and grow their own businesses.
Mann Deshi Bank
Mann Deshi Bank is a microfinance institution that provides loans to women entrepreneurs who would otherwise have no access to credit. The bank has over 200,000 clients across Maharashtra state in India. It offers loans ranging from INR 5,000 ($67) up to INR 2 lakhs ($2,700), with interest rates ranging from 12% to 24%.
The bank also offers other financial services such as savings accounts, insurance products, remittance services, and mobile banking. These services are designed specifically for rural women who may not have access to traditional banking facilities.
One of the unique features of Mann Deshi Bank is its all-women staff. From branch managers to loan officers and customer service representatives – all positions are held by female employees. This approach helps create a safe environment where rural women can feel comfortable discussing their financial needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Mann Deshi Udyogini
Mann Deshi Udyogini is an entrepreneurship development program that aims at providing training and support services necessary for rural women entrepreneurs' success. The program includes business skills training workshops on topics such as marketing strategies, accounting practices & bookkeeping techniques; mentorship programs; networking opportunities; market linkages; and access to finance.
The program has trained over 100,000 women entrepreneurs across Maharashtra state in India. It also provides incubation services for start-ups and helps women entrepreneurs access markets by organizing exhibitions and trade fairs.
Mann Deshi Udyogini's approach is unique because it focuses on building the capacity of rural women to become successful entrepreneurs rather than just providing them with financial assistance. The program recognizes that entrepreneurship is a long-term solution to poverty alleviation and economic development.
Impact
Mann Deshi Foundation's impact on rural women's lives has been significant. The foundation has helped thousands of women start their own businesses, become financially independent, and gain more control over their lives.
According to a study conducted by the foundation, Mann Deshi Bank clients' average income increased by 70% after taking out a loan from the bank. Additionally, 80% of these clients reported an improvement in their standard of living after receiving credit from Mann Deshi Bank.
The foundation's work has also received recognition at national and international levels. In 2018, Chetna Gala Sinha was awarded the prestigious Social Entrepreneur of the Year award by Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship for her contribution towards empowering rural women through financial inclusion & entrepreneurship development programs.
Conclusion
Mann Deshi Foundation is an inspiring example of how social entrepreneurship can create positive change in society. By focusing on economic empowerment through microfinance & entrepreneurship training programs specifically designed for rural women, Mann Deshi Foundation has helped thousands break free from poverty cycles and achieve financial independence while gaining more control over their lives.
As we move forward into an increasingly interconnected world where gender equality remains elusive in many parts of society globally – organizations like Mann Deshi are essential catalysts for change that empower marginalized communities with tools they need to succeed economically while promoting gender equity at large scales!