Self-Help Group Model
ARWA has been implementing the Self-Help Group (SHG) model which was introduced in Azerbaijan for the first time in March 2018 when trainers from our technical partner in India, Kudumbashree translated as Family Prosperity the SHG movement in the state of Kerala provided training to AzRIP staff in implementing the model. The training was funded by the Government of India. Kudumbashree was selected as the technical partner after a delegation of AzRIP staff visited India to study innovations in rural development. The team led by Ms Gulbaniz Ganbarova, Deputy Project Director found the SHG model implemented in the state, suitable for implementation in Azerbaijan.
The SHG model has been implemented for over 30 years in India and in 25 other countries covering some 65 million women. The model follows an integrated approach to mitigate the constraints faced by women in particular less skilled and lower income women in starting businesses and improving their incomes. It brings together women in neighborhood groups of 10 to 20 women who save a fixed amount every week to start and expand their businesses. It builds on the strengths of the women themselves and provides for their skill development, access to finance and markets while providing them with the support needed to successfully run group enterprises as well as to engage effectively to support their communities. The model is a risk mitigation model as the women both share the risks of doing business as well as diversify the risks as the group business model allows each group to have multiple businesses covering farm, off-farm and non-farm businesses. Rural Business incubators staffed by local youth trained as Community Business Promoters and Community Mobilizers and Trainers of the association provide ongoing support.
