Swasakthi

The Swasakthi (“power of self”) programme empowers marginalized rural women through the establishment of alternative financial institutions in the form of Mutually Aided Thrift and Credit Cooperatives (MATCS) under the Andhra Pradesh Mutually Aided Cooperative Act 1995 , through which the programme aims to develop multiple dimensions of women’s empowerment, including enhanced financial security, sustainable livelihoods, and encouraging grassroots leadership.

The programme’s core objectives encompass developing women leaders from grassroots communities to spearhead Timbaktu Collective-promoted women’s Cooperatives, conducting gender, health and wellbeing sensitization, and creating awareness about women’s rights and entitlements. Through these efforts, Swasakthi has successfully fostered women’s leadership, solidarity, and collaboration while catalyzing transformative personal and social change that prioritizes their choice, dignity, and respect.

To realize its vision of comprehensive socio-economic empowerment for rural women, the Collective has established the Mahasakthi Federation alongside four constituent Cooperatives: Adisakthi, Ananthasakthi, Mahilasakthi, and Durgasakthi. The programme has further expanded its impact by initiating two dedicated livelihood units under the Federation — Bhavani Chenetha Sangham and Jeevani Tailoring Enterprise.

The Federation serves as the central operational body, developing and implementing robust protocols, systems, and governance mechanisms for member cooperatives. This ensures the smooth running of thrift and credit facilities while facilitating comprehensive welfare and educational activities for members. Furthermore, the Federation oversees the two production units.

Beyond financial services, the Federation extends its commitment to holistic empowerment by facilitating pro bono legal aid services and overseeing microinsurance and welfare schemes across all member cooperatives, ensuring comprehensive support for women’s economic and social advancement.