The cooperative has been actively promoting financial literacy since 2006 in Indore District, Madhya Pradesh, through continuous training programs aimed at empowering women and improving financial behaviour.

Key milestones and initiatives include:

  • 2008–2010: Conducted financial literacy campaigns and training across five districts, reaching a large number of women participants and building awareness on basic financial practices.
  • April 2012 – December 2013: Successfully implemented a UNICEF-supported financial literacy project in 12 villages of Indore District, expanding outreach and impact at the grassroots level.
  • Training Center: A dedicated training center at the society’s office provides regular capacity-building sessions for members, strengthening their knowledge of savings, credit management, and financial planning.
  • Field and Classroom Training: The program adopts a blended approach, offering both community-based (field) and classroom training to ensure practical, accessible, and effective learning. To date, over 15,000 members have been trained.
  • Resource Agency Role: The cooperative also serves as a resource agency, supporting other organizations in financial literacy initiatives and cooperative management practices.
  • Aagewan Karyakarta Program: Local women leaders are trained as Aagewan Karyakartas to deliver financial literacy training at the grassroots level. They play a key role in motivating and guiding women on financial planning and future security. Currently, 10 members are actively serving in this role.

Through these sustained efforts, the cooperative continues to enhance women’s economic independence and promote financial empowerment across the region.

Objectives of Financial Literacy

The financial literacy program is designed to empower women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions for a secure future.

Key objectives include:

  • Awareness: Increase awareness among women about various financial literacy schemes, services, and opportunities available to them.
  • Decision-Making & Leadership: Strengthen women’s decision-making capabilities and leadership skills, enabling them to take active roles in financial and household matters.
  • Future Planning: Provide guidance on managing future uncertainties and promote informed investment practices to ensure long-term financial security.
  • SEWA Support: Educate members about SEWA’s initiatives and schemes, while offering need-based, personalized financial literacy support tailored to each woman’s financial situation.
  • Savings Awareness: Encourage a deeper understanding of income, savings, and financial discipline, helping women appreciate the importance of saving today for a more secure tomorrow.

Through these objectives, the program enhances women’s confidence, promotes financial independence, and builds their capacity to make sound financial decisions.

Training Modules

The financial literacy program is delivered through a set of structured modules designed to build practical knowledge and strengthen financial decision-making among women.

  1. Saving and Avoiding Wasteful Expenditure
    focuses on the importance of regular savings and mindful spending. Participants learn how to differentiate between needs and wants, reduce unnecessary expenses, and develop disciplined saving habits.
  2. Credit and the Cycle of Poverty
    Explains the responsible use of credit and the risks of over-indebtedness. This module helps women understand interest rates, loan management, productive and unproductive loans and how debt can contribute to or break the cycle of poverty.
  3. Investment and Budgeting
    Introduces basic investment options and the importance of budgeting. Participants learn how to plan their income and expenses, allocate resources efficiently, and explore safe investment opportunities for growth.
  4. Financial Planning
    Covers long-term financial planning, including goal setting, risk management, and preparing for future needs such as education, health, and emergencies.