Change doesn’t trickle down—it rises when women stand for each other. Across India, from the heart of rural villages to the bustle of urban slums, women are building networks of strength, resilience, and purpose. Ms. Priyal Bhardwaj’s own journey mirrors this evolution. From fashion entrepreneur to social reformer, and now as General Secretary of BJP Mahila Morcha, Delhi Pradesh, she has consistently used her platform to uplift and unite women—whether through her NGO Sangini Saheli, her support of SHGs, or her campaigns for menstrual health, education, and economic independence.
In this article, Ms. Bhardwaj takes us through her ground-level experiences with self-help groups in Alwar, Mahendragarh, and Delhi—where women, once voiceless, are now leading micro-enterprises, advocating for healthcare, and driving local development. These are stories of real change, driven by women who are not just shaping their own futures but are becoming pillars of strength in their communities. Through her lens, we see the transformative power of women empowering women—and how that power is quietly, but surely, reshaping the nation.
Read on to see how women-led self-help groups in Alwar are not just transforming lives, but quietly building a stronger India.
Alwar, Rajasthan: The Seeds of Sisterhood
My first real encounter with SHGs was in the villages of Alwar, where I worked with Ibtada, an NGO that has empowered thousands of women through SHGs since the late 1990s. I remember sitting under neem trees in Mahendragarh, listening to women who had never spoken in public before share their dreams of educating their daughters or starting a goat-rearing business.
One of the most powerful experiences was meeting the members of the Varsha SHG in Bhiwani village. Formed in 2020, this group of 15 women began with small savings and mutual support. Over time, they accessed microloans to start tailoring units and grocery shops, transforming their economic status and self-confidence.
Through SHGs, these women not only gained financial independence but also became community leaders, advocating for better healthcare and education in their villages. Their collective action has led to tangible improvements in local infrastructure and services.
Mahendragarh, Haryana: Attaining Financial Independence
In Mahendragarh, I collaborated with local SHGs. A study conducted in this district revealed that intensive SHGs significantly enhanced women's empowerment across economic, social, political, and personal dimensions. The research highlighted that income generation, social awareness, political participation, and decision-making autonomy were key factors in this transformation.
I recall a woman named Sunita, who, after joining an SHG, started a small dairy business. With the group's support, she learned financial management and expanded her enterprise, eventually employing other women in her village.
Delhi: Navigating Urban Challenges
In the urban slums of Delhi, I worked with the Urban Health Resource Centre, which organizes women's groups to improve health, nutrition, and social organization. These groups have been instrumental in advocating for better sanitation, healthcare access, and education within their communities.
One memorable initiative was the formation of collective savings funds among women's groups. The women took pride in managing these funds, which not only improved their economic stability but also strengthened their leadership skills.
Reflections on Nation-Building
Through my experiences, I've witnessed how SHGs serve for nation-building. They empower women to become agents of change, fostering economic growth, social cohesion, and democratic participation. By addressing local issues collectively, SHGs contribute to the broader development goals of the nation.
These groups have taught me that empowerment is not a top-down process but one that flourishes when communities are given the tools and support to drive their own progress. The stories of resilience and transformation I've encountered reaffirm my belief in the power of collective action to build a more equitable and prosperous society.
The Road Ahead
Our journey is far from over. With each SHG, we aim to reach more women, providing them with the tools and support they need to transform their lives and communities. Whether it's through health camps, literacy programs, or skill development workshops, our mission remains the same: to empower women to become nation-builders.
In October 2024, we organized a free breast cancer screening camp at Dyal Singh College in Delhi. Nearly 200 women from SHGs participated, many undergoing their first screening. Advanced thermal imaging technology was used, and SHG members were trained to serve as health ambassadors, spreading awareness about breast health and encouraging early detection.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, emphasized the importance of early detection for successful treatment.
In every village, town, and city, SHGs are quietly revolutionizing India. They are the unsung heroes, the backbone of our nation's progress. As we continue our work, I am constantly inspired by their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
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