Reach  -  The Women’s Empowerment Project of DPG’s Urban Development Initiatives began in the year 2000 and is funded by the Inter Church Organisation for Development Co-operation (ICCO) in Netherlands. The project is in its seventh year and aims to empower women living in 6 slums of Chennai and promote their economic independence by motivating and encouraging them to form CBOs. DPG currently works with 2267 target families across six slums, with a total of 126 SHGs consisting of 2237 members. Out of this, 450 families are expected to be shifted to a place called “Chemmanchery”. This includes 7 SHGs for men, 4 for the aged, 10 for young people and 22 for children.

Governance – Each of the six areas is represented by an Area Development Council (ADC) made up of two members from each SHG. The responsibilities of the ADCs are manifold, focusing primarily on planning and monitoring programmes financed and supported by DPG, forging links with local banks and officials and providing a connection between SHGs and the Apex Committee, which is made up of one or two representatives from each ADC. The Apex Committee, which oversees the running of the project across all areas, including organising training, analyzing and resolving social issues and planning events like children’s camps and exposure visits will apply for Registered Body status un 2007 – 08.

Impacts - With access to training and microfinance facilities like savings, internal loans and bank linkages and the opportunity to discuss local issues in a structured forum, SHG, ADC and Apex Body members report significant improvements in their quality of life since the Women’s Empowerment Project began. For example, many members who were previously unemployed and unskilled now have the skills, knowledge, confidence and financial support needed to run successful businesses like provision shops or telephone booths or businesses selling cleaning products, sarees, homemade cooking powders, etc. Other groups have undertaken DPG training on women’s rights or leadership which have given them the confidence to approach Government officials for support or to effectively resolve local conflicts.

Conclusion -  The Women’s Empowerment Project is planned to conclude end in March 2008 but questions as to whether the SHG members plan to continue the work started by DPG are met with a resounding ‘yes’ provided DPG provides some backup support in the form of training / micro finance assistance / staff support with direct assistance or through the newly created Apex Institutions ! So the year ahead will be of one of consolidations / transfers of more entitlements in the community.

DAVIDPURAM CASE STUDY : PROUD ENTERPRENEURS The members of Malligai and semparuthi (38 members in total) opened a Provision Shop in David Puram area. The business idea came after a number of members of the two SHGs completed DPGs Accounts Training in June 2006. During this training, participants received instruction on how to start up and run a business and how to maintain an accurate accounts book. The training also gave attendees the confidence and motivation to realize their own abilities and potential to become entrepreneurs. Capital for the business was raised through contributions of Rs.1,000/- from each member of the two SHGs. Additionally, two loans were used : Rs 50,000/- from MEDII in Nov. 2006, which was repaid and Rs.70,000/- from Microsate bank in June 2006, of which a balance of only Rs.12,000/- advance on rent, Rs.15,000/- for a rack and showcase, Rs.11,000/- for a fridge, Rs.2,000/- for fan and lights and Rs.40,000/- for stock. The shop is open between 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. every day and with current daily sales reaching between Rs.1,500/- - Rs.2,000/-, the shop is a resounding success. DPG Malligai and DPG Semparuthi SHG members, as both proprietors and customers, are very happy, as are the shop’s other customers including other SHG members from the area as well as non-SHG families living in the vicinity. Women who were previously unemployed and unskilled are now the proud and profiting owners of a successful business, something that a few years ago they would not have dreamed possible.