The Mission Shakti programme, initiated by the Odisha government in 2001, is a significant step towards women empowerment in the state. The program’s primary focus is to facilitate self-help groups (SHGs) by providing them with access to credit and market linkages, aiming to foster economic independence and social empowerment among women. In an innovative move, the department responsible for Mission Shakti is now collaborating with the transport department to create new livelihood opportunities for women associated with these SHGs.
Overview of Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti was implemented as a strategic approach to enhance the status of women in Odisha. It revolves around the formation and support of women’s SHGs, which are designed to be platforms for collective action for income generation and community development. Through these groups, women can access small loans which they can use to start or expand their businesses, thus moving towards financial autonomy. The programme not only provides financial assistance but also imparts necessary training and skills development to help women thrive in their entrepreneurial ventures.
Economic Empowerment through Credit and Market Linkage
One of the core components of Mission Shakti is to provide economic empowerment to women by facilitating credit availability and creating market linkages. This initiative enables women to break free from the shackles of poverty and dependency by engaging in productive activities that generate income. The SHGs act as a conduit for women to save and borrow money within their community, reducing their reliance on traditional, often exploitative, lending sources. Furthermore, by establishing connections with markets, these groups can sell their products more effectively, ensuring sustainable income streams for their members.
Social Empowerment of Women
Beyond economic aspects, Mission Shakti also addresses the social dimension of women’s empowerment. It recognizes that financial independence can lead to greater decision-making power within the household and community, thereby improving the social status of women. The mission encourages participation in local governance and community affairs, giving women a voice in matters that directly affect their lives. This holistic approach to empowerment helps in altering societal attitudes and breaking down gender stereotypes.
Partnership with the Transport Department
In a novel initiative, the department overseeing Mission Shakti has joined forces with the transport department to explore new avenues for employment for the registered SHGs. This partnership aims to leverage the existing network of SHGs to fulfill various operational needs within the state’s transport infrastructure. By doing so, the government is not only creating job opportunities for women but is also investing in the improvement of public services.
Engagement in Maintenance of Bus Stands and Terminals
The first phase of this collaboration involves engaging women SHGs in the maintenance of bus stands and terminals that fall under the jurisdiction of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). This initiative is expected to provide a steady source of income to the SHG members while simultaneously ensuring clean and well-maintained facilities for public transport users. The involvement of SHGs in such roles can also foster a sense of ownership and community responsibility among the women, further enhancing their social empowerment.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The partnership between the Mission Shakti department and the transport department opens up a realm of possibilities for the expansion of livelihood opportunities for women in Odisha. As the programme progresses, there could be additional roles identified where SHGs can contribute effectively. This model of engaging SHGs in public service roles could potentially be replicated in other sectors, leading to a more inclusive and gender-equitable workforce within the state. The success of such initiatives will depend on the continued support and scaling up of the Mission Shakti programme, ensuring that women’s empowerment remains a central focus of development efforts in Odisha.
