Swasakthi

The Swasakthi (“power of self”) programme seeks to empower marginalised, rural women by setting up alternative financial institutions in the form of Mutually Aided Thrift and Credit Cooperatives (MATCS). The programme’s primary objective is women’s empowerment, with focus on the enhancement of financial security and livelihoods of its stakeholders. It has facilitated women’s leadership, solidarity, and collaboration, and set in motion a radical personal and social transformation that encompasses choice, dignity, and respect.

The Collective promoted the Mahasakthi Federation and its four constituent Cooperatives – Adisakthi, Ananthasakthi, Mahilasakthi, and Durgasakthi – to achieve its vision of socio-economic empowerment of rural women. The Federation develops and oversees the protocols, systems and governance mechanisms for the member cooperatives in order to run a robust thrift and credit facility, and conduct welfare and educational activities for its members. It also facilitates legal aid and oversees microinsurance and welfare schemes of the member cooperatives.