Self Help Groups, especially women groups, have been the key drivers for change in rural areas across the world. Not only are they economically enabling women to manage savings and credit, but also leading to enterprise-development through collective action.
Maa Laxmi Self Help Group is one of the most enthusiastic among the several women’s groups Essar Foundation has formed in the tribal village Naibuga of Keonjhar (Odisha). Having equipped themselves with the knowledge in mobilising savings, maintaining accounts, and buoyed by the success of thrift and credit among the members, the women of this group were keen on venturing into a start-up business.
Assessing the market demands in the industrial belt of Dabuna area, our team discussed the potential of producing disinfectants like phenyl. The group immediately signed up for training, and started a phenyl production unit in July last year. While the Essar Foundation team handheld this group through the process of managing accounts, establishing market linkages, product packaging, branding, sales and marketing, it was actually their passion and enthusiasm that drove their start-up to new heights.
An year ago, these women launched their product, and handed out complimentary bottles at offices and stores. Their effort paid off! In barely a month, the group got their first order from three departmental stores in Joda, a nearby town. Gradually, corporate offices from the mining and other industries started taking note of their product. In the meanwhile, they kept selling at weekly markets in nearby villages, as well as the local grocers. They are currently working on bulk orders of over 200 litres phenyl per month to various corporate offices in the industrial belt, including Essar. So far the women have produced over 1,500 litres, and their product easily sells at a profit of 30%.
Entrepreneurship is a promising avenue that has helped tribal women rise from the drudgery of wage labour and poverty. Essar Foundation is proud to be a part of their journey.