In our past 10 years of experience, we have found that SHGs however exceptional have  limited sphere of influence. Within a few years of formation SHGs attain a degree of empowerment, both economic and social but are not able to progress beyond a point by themselves.  There is need for an element of networking or mutual help between SHGs, say in a village or in a panchayat.  SHG women have demonstrated their traditional wisdom and we have learnt further that networking amongst SHGs would take a group of SHGs further beyond the limited sphere of influence of a single SHG.

Congruence of objectives is a major factor and therefore we find that SHGs in a panchayat or a group of villages have several common causes which can bind them together.  Such networking can best be informal in the beginning and can be formalised as needs arise.  Women  SHG call it by various names:  "Kottamaippu, Mahasangam, Inaiyam, Sangathin Sangam …… 

DeW strongly believes that panchayat-level federations of such SHGs have an important role to play in ensuring  that sustainability of development interventions are possible.  The NGO, no doubt a catalyst, must be able to hand over the toruch of grassroot development to a community based organization, and that will be the panchayat-level federation of SHGs. 

DeW and its partner NGOs have a vital role to play in facilitating emergence of such networks of SHGs.  Training forms a key part of such facilitation.  DeW has for its part commenced a critical role, both as a donor agency supporting NGOs as well as a technical resource institution which documents and shares vital experience from SHGs and partner NGOs. 

Documentation of valuable experience from the field has culminated  in preparation of draft documents below:   Comments, ideas and suggestions are welcome:   

	Guide to SHG Federations -English (Downloadable, Size 119KB)
	Guide to SHG Federations - Tamil
	Training Manual for Panchayat level Federations
	Assistance to SHG Federations
	Status report on SHG Federations
	Case studies
	Evaluation Studies

HOME | MISSION STATEMENT | GOVT. POLICY | ORGANIZATION | KEY PERSONS | PARTNERS | SCHEMES | GENDER | CITIZEN CHARTER | EVENTS | RELATED LINKS | FUTURE DIRECTION | TENDERS | ANNUAL REPORTS | RESEARCH | PUBLICATIONS