To support the self-reliant lives of persons with disabilities and women, the Deal Foundation is providing various training programs aimed at their development. The foundation helps form self-help groups for persons with disabilities and women, and offers training in areas such as Kumkuma (vermilion) making, candle making, paper bag making, and beekeeping. Additionally, it assists them in obtaining bank loans to support their financial independence. Livelihood Officers are appointed in every taluk to facilitate these activities. As a result, many women and persons with disabilities across various taluks have successfully built independent livelihoods.
Women are in no way less capable, and when given the right opportunities and guidance, they can achieve remarkable success. The women’s self-help groups formed by Livelihood Officers in every taluk stand as a testament to this fact. One such example is the ‘Renukadevi Women’s Self-Help Group’ from Eklaspur village in Mundargi taluk.
Regarding this group, Renuka Kallalli, the Livelihood Officer of Mundargi taluk, visited Eklaspur village, met with persons with disabilities there, and provided information about the activities of the Deal Foundation. She explained the benefits and training opportunities available through the formation of self-help groups for persons with disabilities. Based on their interest, a group was formed and training sessions were organized. Observing that Renuka regularly visited the village every month to support these groups, the women of the village also approached her, expressing their desire to form their own self-help group. They requested her guidance and expressed keen interest in establishing a group for themselves.
Accordingly, Renuka agreed and instructed the women to gather the records of ten members, assuring them that she would help them form a self-help group. All the women compiled their documents, and the group was officially named the ‘Renukadevi Women’s Self-Help Group.’ In 2023, they opened a bank account at the Mewundi Safe Disabled Cooperative Society. Renuka then provided the group with training in book-keeping and leadership. Since then, the group has been conducting monthly meetings and each member contributes a monthly saving of two hundred rupees, steadily managing and strengthening the group.
Later, Renuka provided the group members with information about employment opportunities and organized various training sessions through the Deal Foundation, including candle making, kumkuma (vermilion) making, and paper bag making. Inspired by these initiatives, several women showed interest in pursuing self-employment. Since starting a business required capital, Kasimbi Nadaf decided to take a loan of ₹15,000 from the group’s savings and opened a small grocery store, successfully beginning her entrepreneurial journey. Her daily efforts started yielding good profits. Motivated by her success, the other members also decided to pursue employment. They collectively resolved to apply for bank loans to start their own ventures.
Accordingly, during the monthly meetings, Renuka, with the cooperation of the members, helped complete all necessary documentation and submitted loan applications to the bank. Since this was their first loan application, the bank informed them that they would initially be sanctioned a loan of ₹50,000. After discussing among themselves, the members decided that those with the most urgent needs should avail the loan first, and the others would follow later. Based on this decision, four members initially took loans and began their respective businesses. Imam Bi Hosamani took a loan of ₹15,000 and started farming activities. Similarly, Fatima Nadaf also took a ₹15,000 loan to start a vegetable business. Kasimbi Nadaf, who had earlier started a grocery store, expanded her business with another ₹15,000 loan. Ameenabi Nadaf availed a ₹5,000 loan and rented an auto-rickshaw, thus supporting her family’s livelihood.
In this way, these women took loans, started their businesses, and have become financial pillars for their families, becoming role models for many other women. They have successfully repaid the loans without any delays, ensuring that the self-help group continues to run smoothly without any disruptions.
The Deal Foundation has been the inspiration behind many women engaging in self-employment. All the members have shared their opinions about the foundation, expressing that they were initially delighted to see Renuka, who works with persons with disabilities, as a role model. It was through this foundation that we were motivated to form our self-help group. By forming the group, we have managed to save a small amount of money through collective savings. Furthermore, Renuka provided us with training in various business skills and financial management. She recognized our hidden potential for self-employment and inspired us to grow. Through the group, we also received loans with low interest rates. Our families have supported us, and we are now moving forward financially. On behalf of all the members of our group, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Deal Foundation and Renuka for their cooperation. We hope that with their continued support, more women like us will be identified and guided toward a path of self-reliance.
In this way, all the women have become financially stable, supporting their families while establishing their presence in society. They also wish for the continued success of the Deal Foundation, hoping it will gain more recognition. All the women, standing in solidarity with persons with disabilities, are grateful for the foundation’s guidance and support, and they wish for its continued assistance in improving their lives.
For any specific questions or assistance related to this blog, please contact us at Info@deal-foundation.com. To learn more about the work we do, visit www.deal-foundation.
Thank you.