OFSI and ASSCOD Celebrate Milestone in Women’s Financial Empowerment with Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Distribution

Tamil Nadu, July 26, 2025: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in collaboration with The Association for Sustainable Community Development (ASSCOD), has concluded the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Distribution Programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing financial inclusion among tribal women in Chengalpattu district.

The programme brought together over 200 women from 15 villages, with 30 of them receiving Mahila Samman Savings Certificates. The event included a short documentary showcasing the initiative’s impact, along with remarks from stakeholders and testimonials from the beneficiaries themselves. The women shared stories of how access to credit and sustained community support led to meaningful improvements in their livelihoods and personal confidence.

“This milestone shows what’s possible when a corporate partner commits deeply to a grassroots NGO and stays the course with the community,” said Ms. Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO of OFSI. “The result isn’t just impact, it’s transformation. Women who once lacked access now lead enterprises, manage finances, and drive change. This is the power of meaningful, long-term investment in communities.”

The women recognized were lauded for their consistent loan repayments and for demonstrating leadership in managing their finances. Their repaid loans have been converted into fixed deposits through India Post, offering them long-term savings and access to formal banking systems—many for the first time. In addition, one woman from each village has been trained as an emergency responder to aid in health awareness, screenings, and access to government services.

“For decades, we’ve worked with tribal women who have faced generations of neglect and exclusion. What we witnessed today is not just financial inclusion, it is the beginning of lasting dignity,” said Mr. K Loganathan, Executive Director of ASSCOD. “When a tribal woman learns to save, lead, and care for her community, she becomes a pillar of strength. Empowering these women is not just social work, it is nation-building.”

Over the last two years, the programme has provided 161 interest-free microloans to women from marginalized communities to support traditional income-generating activities such as goat and cow rearing. These financial interventions have been complemented by life skills and financial literacy training, helping participants build sustainable incomes and emerge as community role models in health, savings, and social responsibility.