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SHG Success Toolkit

An interactive, comprehensive guide empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with strategies for governance, financial empowerment, member engagement, and skill development to transform women’s lives in rural India.

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Our Core Pillars

Governance

Establish transparent and inclusive leadership for sustainable SHG operations.

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Financial Empowerment

Promote savings, credit access, and micro-enterprises for economic independence.

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Member Engagement

Foster collaboration and active participation among women members.

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Skill Development

Equip members with skills for entrepreneurship and income generation.

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Governance

Women in a meeting

Overview

Strong governance ensures transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making in SHGs, building trust among members and enabling access to external support like NRLMNational Rural Livelihoods Mission, a government initiative supporting SHGs. funding.

Key Strategies

  • Clear Roles: Define responsibilities for group leader, treasurer, and secretary.
  • Regular Meetings: Conduct weekly meetings with documented minutes.
  • Transparent Records: Maintain savings and loan registers open to all members.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address disputes within 5 days through group discussions.
  • Inclusive Leadership: Rotate leadership roles every 1-2 years.
  • External Linkages: Connect with NGOs and government schemes.

Implementation Steps

  1. Draft group bylaws within 15 days of formation.
  2. Elect office-bearers through a democratic vote.
  3. Train members on governance practices (100% trained within 2 months).
  4. Monitor meeting attendance (target: 95%) and record-keeping accuracy.
  5. Conduct annual reviews to update bylaws.
  6. Register with NRLMNational Rural Livelihoods Mission, offering training and funding for SHGs. for support.

Case Study

The Shakti SHG in Rajasthan adopted transparent governance, achieving 98% meeting attendance and securing a ₹50,000 grant from NRLM for a tailoring unit, empowering 12 women.

Tools & Resources

  • Bylaw Templates: Available from NRLM.
  • Record-Keeping Apps: Use Google Sheets for savings tracking.
  • Training Modules: Access workshops via local NGOs.
  • Meeting Guides: Download from NABARD.

Metrics for Success

  • Meeting attendance rate:
  • Record transparency score:
  • Member satisfaction rate:
  • Dispute resolution time:

Financial Empowerment

Women discussing finances

Overview

Financial empowerment through savings, credit, and micro-enterprises enables SHG members to achieve economic independence and contribute to household and community development.

Key Strategies

  • Savings Culture: Encourage monthly savings (minimum ₹100/member).
  • Internal Lending: Provide low-interest loans from group savings.
  • Bank Linkages: Connect with banks for credit facilities via NABARDNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, supporting SHG financial inclusion..
  • Micro-Enterprises: Support ventures like handicrafts or poultry.
  • Financial Literacy: Conduct workshops on budgeting and investments.
  • Insurance Access: Promote micro-insurance for health and assets.

Implementation Steps

  1. Open a group bank account within 30 days.
  2. Set savings and loan policies with member consensus.
  3. Train members on financial literacy (90% participation).
  4. Link with banks for loans (target: 1 loan/year).
  5. Monitor savings growth and loan repayment rates.
  6. Support 1-2 micro-enterprises per year.

Case Study

The Lakshmi SHG in Tamil Nadu saved ₹2 lakh collectively, accessed a ₹1 lakh bank loan, and started a pickle-making unit, increasing members’ income by 25%.

Tools & Resources

  • Google Sheets: For tracking savings and loans.
  • Financial Literacy Apps: Use NABARD resources.
  • Bank Linkage Guides: Available from NRLM.
  • Business Plan Templates: Download from SFAC.

Metrics for Success

  • Savings growth rate:
  • Loan repayment rate:
  • Micro-enterprise revenue:
  • Bank linkage success:

Member Engagement

Women collaborating

Overview

Active engagement strengthens trust, collaboration, and ownership among SHG members, ensuring group cohesion and sustained impact.

Key Strategies

  • Communication: Use WhatsApp or SMS for group updates.
  • Group Activities: Organize monthly social or learning events.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Collect suggestions via group discussions.
  • Recognition: Celebrate milestones like savings targets.
  • Peer Mentoring: Pair experienced members with newcomers.
  • Community Outreach: Participate in village events.

Implementation Steps

  1. Create an engagement calendar with monthly goals.
  2. Train members on communication tools (80% adoption).
  3. Set up feedback boxes or digital forms.
  4. Recognize top contributors at meetings.
  5. Monitor participation rates (target: 90%).
  6. Organize 1-2 community events annually.

Case Study

The Saraswati SHG in Uttar Pradesh increased participation by 35% through WhatsApp updates and monthly craft workshops, fostering stronger group bonds.

Tools & Resources

  • WhatsApp Business: For group communication.
  • Google Forms: For feedback collection.
  • Event Planning Tools: Use Canva for invitations.
  • Community Guides: Access via NRLM.

Metrics for Success

  • Participation rate:
  • Feedback response rate:
  • Event attendance:
  • Member retention rate:

Skill Development

Women learning skills

Overview

Skill development equips SHG members with entrepreneurial and vocational skills, enabling income generation and market competitiveness.

Key Strategies

  • Vocational Training: Offer courses in tailoring, crafts, or food processing.
  • Digital Literacy: Teach mobile apps for market access.
  • Entrepreneurship Skills: Train on business planning and marketing.
  • Market Linkages: Connect with platforms like ONDCOpen Network for Digital Commerce, enabling e-commerce for SHGs..
  • Peer Learning: Organize skill-sharing sessions.
  • Certification: Provide recognized credentials for skills.

Implementation Steps

  1. Assess members’ skill gaps via surveys.
  2. Partner with NGOs for training programs.
  3. Conduct workshops (80% member participation).
  4. Link members to e-commerce platforms.
  5. Monitor skill adoption rates (target: 70%).
  6. Provide certificates for completed courses.

Case Study

The Jyoti SHG in Gujarat trained 15 women in handicrafts, linked them to ONDC, and generated ₹1.5 lakh in sales, boosting household incomes by 20%.

Tools & Resources

  • Skill India Portal: Access free courses.
  • ONDC Platform: For e-commerce linkages.
  • Canva: For product marketing designs.
  • NRLM Training Kits: Available from NRLM.

Metrics for Success

  • Skill adoption rate:
  • Training participation:
  • Income growth from skills:
  • Market linkage success:

Why Our SHG Toolkit Stands Out

Women’s Empowerment

Drive economic and social independence for women.

Community Building

Foster collaboration and trust among members.

Economic Growth

Boost household incomes through micro-enterprises.

Scalable Ventures

Support growth from savings to businesses.

Financial Security

Promote savings and insurance access.

Lifelong Learning

Equip members with marketable skills.

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Need More Help With SHGs?

Contact your nearest NGO, bank, or government rural/urban development office for SHG-related assistance and support.

Find Nearby SHGs Register your SHGs with us Contact Our Team

Government Contacts

NRLM/NULM District Mission Managers

Banking Support

Lead Bank Manager in your district

NGO Partners

Local SHG promoting organizations

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