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Project type
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Rural Financial Services
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Approval date
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Implementation period
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1990-1999
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Total cost
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US$ 30.6 million
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Executing agency
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Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women
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Project Goals and Objectives
The principal objective was the economic and social uplifting of women to enhance the welfare of their families and improve their status within the family and in the community.
Project Area
Dharmapuri, Salem and South Arcot districts of Tamil Nadu.
BENEFICIARIES
The project directly benefited 201,600 women and their families.
Performance
Women were the exclusive target of this IFAD-initiated project, and they passed the benefits on to their families in terms of improved living conditions. The project introduced microfinance schemes as the principal tool for empowering women through income-generating activities. The promotion of Dynamic and cohesive SHGs contributed to positive performance, substantially replacing the moneylenders. The formation of federations of groups was a key to sustainability. Repayment rates for revolving credit were good, and women were eventually able to obtain credit from formal sources. More than half of loans were used to finance livestock activities. Participating Women gained confidence, new opportunities for mobility and political and human rights awareness. Through collective action, groups were able to negotiate and obtain improved services and access to drinking water, electricity, health care and education. 64% of the participants crossed the poverty line. More than 60% were in a position to maintain their own records and accounts and build enough capital within 3 years of startup. The project demonstrated that loans based on group collateral can be commercially viable. After the demonstration of the success, the Government of Tamil Nadu has upscaled the project with their own funds in the entire state. |
