India, August 26, 2021: CBM India announced the launch of Sankalp, a co-operative society in Maharashtra, that aims to support women with special abilities. This initiative is committed to primarily help women and bring about socio-economic changes in their lives. The society will provide support in terms of financial inclusion along with a host of programs to help them become self-reliant and independent. 

                     Supported and coordinated by Naman Seva Samiti (NMS), Sankalp’s comprehensive programs also cover various social issues faced by vulnerable women and women with disabilities. This includes basic sanitation, hygiene, education, women empowerment, and inclusive growth. The organization is formed by 500 members, out of which 449 are women and 51 are male members. About 198 members are people with disabilities while 302 members have an immediate family member with a disability and 3 members belong to the general category.

                     Furthermore, the directors and members running this cooperative society are also people with disabilities or either belong to vulnerable communities who address their problems themselves, making this a unique and one of its kind co-operative initiatives.

                    The Launch event was inaugurated by Dr. Sara Varughese, Country Director, CBM India who is noted for her work in rehabilitation, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in India. She notes “People with disabilities need all the help that they can get in this difficult time. The CBM Sankalp initiative will work hard to help them break free from the shackles of poverty and other challenges on a day-to-day basis.”

                  Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Anil Nagne, Block Development Officer of Saoner said “We steadfastly believe in our mission and its objectives to drive a meaningful change. And we consider it is our privilege that noteworthy organisations like CBM India and other government agencies like the National Rural Livelihood Mission are supportive in our efforts to provide opportunities for people with disabilities”.

                    Sankalp aims to bring about a much-required and meaningful improvement into the lives of people with disabilities in parts of Maharashtra. The initiative will bridge the gap between the institutions that are willing to extend support and the people who could not access them due to various barriers. This co-operative society has the vision to increase 20-fold within the next 5 years and to reach out to over ten thousand individuals and families.