7th March 2024: For the past 27 years, Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited, has been steadfastly dedicated to women’s empowerment in rural areas across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Through the establishment of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and a range of interventions spanning training, credit facilitation, livelihood programs, and community development, SST has brought about transformative change.
Demonstrating its commitment to gender equality, SST proudly boasts over 40% female representation within its field force, fostering an inclusive environment for women to thrive professionally. SST has collectivized over 60000 women into over 5000 Self-Help groups throughout their journey. Additionally, SST has actively supported financial inclusion by facilitating Rs. 85 crores through bank loans for 15,500 women, in this financial year empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Through these initiatives, we help women uplift themselves and their next generation hence bringing about transformative change in the communities.
A significant focus of SST’s efforts has been on supporting over 10,000 women farmers in livestock rearing, enabling them to earn sustainable incomes ranging from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000 per milch animal. This is achieved through a holistic dairy value chain program, providing technical assistance, credit linkages, and assistance in establishing milk-collection centers. A notable success story includes a partnership with Shreeja Milk Producer Company Limited, where women trained by SST established 30 women-led milk collection societies, empowering over 400 women through social entrepreneurship.
Moreover, SST has facilitated livelihood opportunities for over 200 women in villages near Pune, enabling them to transition from daily wage labor to earning sustainable incomes within their communities. This tangible impact underscores the effectiveness of SST’s interventions in improving the lives of rural women.
In its commitment to women’s health, SST collaborates with Gramalaya to implement a hygiene program focusing on menstrual health, benefiting over 1000 girl children annually. These initiatives contribute significantly to health education and awareness among young girls, paving the way for a healthier future generation.
The impact of SST’s initiatives extends beyond individual empowerment to community development, as evidenced by the active involvement of more than 1000 women from 100 SST-facilitated SHGs in various community development initiatives. From supporting flood-affected communities to renovating anganwadis and providing essential materials to schools, SST’s multifaceted approach to empowering rural women is instrumental in building more inclusive, equitable, and resilient villages.