ICPRD

Developing and institutionalizing effective market strategies
In order to provide an opportunity for tribal women to integrate micro-credit operations by establishing enterprise units in their local tribal belt, ICPRD organized a Mahila Haat or Women’s Fair in Deogarh on 20th September 2006.

The Fair helped serve as a platform to establish linkages for capital investment, marketing for the emerging women economic entrepreneurs of the project area. The fair also helped establish linkages for capital investment and marketing linkages.

The highlight of the ICPRD project ‘Establishing Micro-Finance Networks for Poor Tribal Women in India’ has been the Mahila Haat (Women’s Fair) where thousands of poor tribal women from Santhal Parganas and Orissa (project area), now transformed into successful social entrepreneurs after project intervention, gathered at a huge ground in Deogarh (Jharkhand) in colorful clothes and traditional finery to proudly display their entrepreneurial skills through an array of products. At the same time, the sweep and magnitude of the display helped showcase the sweep and magnitude of the impact the project has had on the lives of the economic and social lives of these women.

A better utilization of skills through interacting with other SHG members.
Interface with govt. officials/various banks and other civil society organizations.
Exposed to marketing skills and a better display of products.
Provided a platform for the emergence of a broader micro-finance federation in the region.

The women put up professionally sound stalls at the fair displaying an array of products, such as:

Vegetables and fruits
Cakes and doughnuts
Local eats
Kitchen spices/lentils/rice
Soft toys
Embroidered bedspreads and pillow covers
Bamboo items
Leaf plates
Decoration items
Iron items, etc.

The fair was a huge success with thousands of people visiting it from near and far. The women were able to earn 30% to 40% higher profits than when they sold their products in the local markets or through middlemen. They were able to establish linkages directly with bulk buyers. Bulk orders were received for embroidered items from the social welfare department. 10% to 15% SHG groups have managed a fixed shop for selling their products. Banks are also more open to providing loans to SHG groups as “Women entrepreneurs’ visibility has been enhanced”.

The District Collector of the area, the Chief Guest on the occasion, in his valedictory address equated the income generation activities of SHG group members in the area to cottage industry and agriculture advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, for developing and sustaining village economies.

“We thank ICPRD for giving us an opportunity of visiting the Mahila Haat organized at Deoghar Hindi Vidyapeeth on 20th September, 2006. Women came from far-flung villages with products which they had made with their own hands. It is evident from this that these women have the capacity to take their lives towards progress and prosperity. Nearly 2000 women had gathered here from different institutions in a spirit of goodwill and camaraderie. Seeing all this, we felt that if such a Haat is organized every year, then it will give an opportunity for the SHG groups here to grow and people will become more aware of women’s potential.”

“I had the occasion to visit the Mahila Haat organized by ICPRD at Hindi Vidyapeeth, Deoghar on 20th September, 2006….Member-Secretary, ICPRD, Dr. Nandini Azad, is to be applauded for her great contribution in uplifting the poor and tribal women of these states. Such events should continue to be organized.”