Giving Opportunities
Self-Help Groups Bring Dignity and Hope to Dalit Women
In India, the Dalit women are considered the lowest of all people. They are the poorest of the poor, shunned by most of society. They have little hope for the future. That's why SIS and a local ministry partner are reaching out to the Dalit women of India.
By inviting the Dalit women to be a part of self-help groups, small communities are created where the women can be trained in finances, hygiene, literacy, and family care. Additionally, women are taught income-generating skills such as how to make bamboo baskets and mats, candles, soap, and lotion. With the help of a microloan program, and instruction on saving money, the women are able to pool their resources and put their new skills to use.
Most importantly, the Dalit women are offered the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ. When a Dalit woman understands that she is valuable because she was created by a God who loves her, she is never the same again. She is empowered by hope and a newfound dignity that will change her life.
Support for one self-help group coordinator for one year:
$1,440
Microloan capital for one self-help group:
$157
Total cost to enable leadership training and income generating programs to expand and impact 3,075 unique lives:
$30,206