Thenkarai Food Security Program: Small Business Ventures of Women

Economic Development and Cultural Changes in the Villages of South India

A few women who had no possibility of
looking after a cow, took to small business ventures using their cooking skills
and tailoring skills. They run shops, offering snacks or rice… commonly eaten
by those who cannot frequent restaurants… and have benefited considerably.            

The most successful story of women in
business is the Credit Society.  75 women
all designated as below the government’s poverty level, each paid a starting
membership fee of Rs 500 of which 200 was paid to their personal savings
account and 50 rupees was taken as subscription to defray admin expenses…and
the Rs 250 left was added to the equity capital.  The loan repayment period was set as 10
months and they paid 10% in addition through monthly installments of 550 every
month and in addition Rs. 50 into their personal savings account as if the
society was their bankers.  One of the
women relates that since she became a member and started investing the loan
buying and selling sarees, she has been able to support a daughter in college
as a residential student.