Education is a crucial component of reducing poverty, especially for women.
Siddhartha Dutt
At Yoga Gives Back (YGB), the SisterAid program serves as a beacon of hope for women in India. By providing microloans, SisterAid enables these women to start and grow their businesses, fostering financial independence and breaking the cycle of poverty. Starting with 50 women in 2010, YGB now supports over 550 women every year with micro-loan program, allowing them to flourish and often become role models in their communities. As one participant aptly noted, “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the trust and the support,” highlighting the program’s profound impact.
The beauty of SisterAid lies in its holistic approach. Not only does it offer financial assistance, but it also emphasizes education and community support. As highlighted by author Siddhartha Dutt in a BBC article, “Education is a crucial component of reducing poverty, especially for women.” SisterAid encourages women to save for their daughters’ education, ensuring that the next generation has better opportunities to thrive.
However, achieving these goals is not without challenges. Many women face significant barriers from their families and communities, hindering their ability to work or pursue entrepreneurial aspirations. Dutta notes that research shows, “Women in India work when opportunities arise,” indicating that the declining labor force participation rate results from insufficient jobs and reduced demand for women’s labor. SisterAid combats these barriers through its comprehensive support structure, which includes peer networks and social support systems, empowering women to overcome obstacles together.
What’s truly inspiring is the Circle of Gratitude that develops through this program. Educated daughters, often beneficiaries of YGB’s SHE program, return to assist their mothers with their businesses, including ventures like Manvee’s Creations, an e-commerce platform that showcases their mothers’ hand-made art crafts online. These young women transition from being recipients to contributors, employing others and enriching their communities.
Microloan programs like SisterAid significantly impact local economies. As the BBC article states, “Successful microloan recipients often reinvest in their communities, creating jobs and supporting local economies.” SisterAid embodies this principle, enabling women to support their families while uplifting those around them.
If you’re inspired by the transformative work of SisterAid and want to be part of this empowering journey, consider making a donation. Your support can help sustain and grow this vital program. Learn more about SisterAid and how you can contribute here, and check out Manvee’s Creations to see the incredible work being done. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of women and children in India.
To support Yoga Gives Back SisterAid program, please consider donating here.
To learn more about the women and families supported by YGB SIsterAid, watch this short documentary filmed in 2012 just a few years after the program started.
For further insights on the impact of microloan programs and women’s entrepreneurship, read the full article by Siddhartha Dutta.
