Women Empowerment
Strengthening the social, economic and political participation of Indigenous women across rural communities in Ukhrul and Kamjong.
VVD promotes gender equality, social inclusion and women's leadership by strengthening collective action, livelihoods, financial independence and meaningful participation in community decision-making.
Empowering Women. Advancing Sustainable Development.
The Women Empowerment Programme aligns with and contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals.
Empowering Women. Strengthening Communities.
VVD is committed to promoting gender equality, social inclusion and leadership of Indigenous women in community development and governance processes.
The Women Empowerment Programme focuses on strengthening the social, economic and political participation of women across rural communities in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur.
Through women's collectives, Self Help Groups, capacity building, livelihood initiatives and greater participation in local institutions, VVD supports women in becoming more confident, informed and economically independent.
When Women Participate, Communities Grow Stronger.
VVD believes that empowering women economically and socially contributes directly to stronger families, improved community welfare and sustainable development outcomes.
Gender Equality
Promoting recognition, participation and equitable opportunities for women within families and communities.
Economic Independence
Supporting income generation, financial management and livelihood opportunities that strengthen women's economic confidence.
Leadership
Building women's confidence and leadership capabilities to participate actively in local institutions and decision-making.
Collective Strength
Strengthening women's collectives and Self Help Groups as platforms for savings, learning, enterprise and collective action.
Creating Space for Women's Voices.
The programme promotes the active participation and representation of women in Village Authorities, Village Assemblies, community committees and local decision-making platforms.
Awareness programmes and dialogues encourage inclusive governance and greater recognition of women's voices in community affairs.
Building Confidence, Capacity & Collective Power.
VVD combines community mobilisation, institution building, capacity development, livelihood enhancement and rights awareness to strengthen women's role in their households and communities.
Organise
Bring women together through Self Help Groups and community collectives.
Build Capacity
Strengthen leadership, financial literacy and practical skills.
Enable Livelihoods
Support income-generating activities and local micro-enterprises.
Build Awareness
Increase awareness of rights, entitlements and social issues.
Strengthen Leadership
Encourage meaningful participation in governance and community action.
From Collective Action to Lasting Change.
VVD's Women Empowerment Programme combines institution building, livelihood development, leadership, rights awareness and community participation.
01
Self Help Groups
Women Self Help Groups serve as important platforms for collective action, savings, livelihood promotion and leadership development.
Through SHGs, women are encouraged to strengthen financial management, build confidence and participate in community-level initiatives.
02
Livelihood Enhancement
Women are supported in developing sustainable income-generating activities and micro-enterprises that strengthen household income.
Activities include pig rearing, soap making, dishwash production and other locally appropriate enterprises.
03
Leadership Development
Capacity-building programmes strengthen women's confidence, communication and leadership capabilities.
Women are encouraged to take active roles in community institutions and local decision-making processes.
04
Financial Literacy
Women receive support in savings, financial management and entrepreneurship to strengthen economic independence.
Collective savings also help SHGs develop stronger financial foundations for community-level livelihood initiatives.
05
Rights & Legal Awareness
VVD facilitates discussions within communities on issues affecting women's rights and participation.
Areas of awareness include voting rights, property and inheritance, divorce and issues affecting widows.
06
Climate & Natural Resources
Women are encouraged to participate in natural resource management, agriculture and climate adaptation initiatives.
Their involvement recognises women as important stakeholders in community resilience and sustainable development.
Stronger Together Through Self Help Groups.
Self Help Groups are a central part of VVD's approach to women's empowerment. They provide women with a platform for collective savings, financial inclusion, livelihood development and leadership.
SHGs have demonstrated strong financial sustainability while also creating opportunities for women to build enterprises and take a more active role in community life.
Awareness Builds Confidence & Choice.
VVD works on issues related to women's rights, including voting rights, property rights, inheritance concerns and the rights of women after divorce or the death of a husband.
Programme facilitators encourage discussions within communities to promote equitable practices and strengthen social acceptance of women's rights and participation.
Women Organised. Confidence Strengthened.
Women's collectives are creating stronger foundations for financial independence, livelihood development and community participation.
Women Empowered
Through livelihood enhancement, skill development and community-led development initiatives.
Self Help Groups
Formed with approximately 15 women members in each group to promote collective savings and leadership.
Average Group Fund
Average savings/core fund per SHG, demonstrating financial sustainability and collective strength.
SHG Hubs
Ngahui and Kalhang emerged as key hubs for women's collectives, with six established SHGs in each village.
From Savings to Enterprise
Support Women to Lead, Grow & Create Change.
Partner with VVD to strengthen women's livelihoods, leadership, collective action and meaningful participation in community development.