We equip women with skills and resources to achieve financial independence.
We advocate for the rights of tribal women and promote gender equality within their communities.
We encourage sustainable practices that benefit both women and the environment.
Initially, women elected as Sarpanchs seldom exercised their authority, often overshadowed by male relatives. GMS's leadership training has changed this narrative. An exemplary case is Rinku Devi, an SHG member and Sarpanch of Thandiberi, who now actively participates in Gram Panchayat meetings and independently manages her responsibilities.
When GMS began its work, local diets were limited to maize chapatis and chili chutney, lacking essential nutrients. Through focused agriculture and health awareness programs, many families now cultivate kitchen gardens, consume a variety of vegetables, and sell surplus produce for additional income.
Initially, illiteracy was prevalent among GMS members, prompting a push for proper education for their children, particularly girls. Today, the enrollment ratio of girls in schools has increased significantly. Additionally, all members have learned to sign their names, replacing thumb impressions in meetings.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of alcohol, GMS organized a 20 km walk rally to draw government attention. Despite persistent liquor shops, alcohol consumption among SHG families has plummeted from nearly 90% to minimal levels. Members have ceased home-brewing and selling alcohol, drastically reducing its presence in their communities.
During the financial strain of COVID-19, GMS distributed 500 ration kits, each worth ₹1200, from its corpus. Initially, vaccination rates were below 10% due to rumors and superstition. GMS collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch an awareness campaign involving wall paintings, mic announcements, and door-to-door outreach. By leading through example, GMS increased the vaccination rate to 85%.
Banking and administrative tasks required multiple trips to distant villages, burdened by language barriers and high charges. In response, GMS established the Ghoomar Information Center, providing banking services, legal consultations, and eMitra/CSC facilities. Over two years, the center facilitated transactions worth ₹1.3 crore and served 2,000 members.
Founded in 2015, this Farmer Producer Company (FPC) boasts 2,000 shareholders and specializes in a variety of non-timber forest products. The FPC's product range includes custard apple pulp, jamun pulp, ber sticks, herbal gulal, and biodegradable plates. By focusing on these niche products, the company supports sustainable forest management and adds value to forest produce. The FPC provides year-round employment to 2,000 families, generating an average annual income of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 per family. This steady income significantly enhances the livelihoods of these families, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the FPC achieved remarkable financial success with sales reaching ₹1 crore. A significant portion of this revenue came from the production of 55 metric tons (MT) of custard apple pulp, highlighting the company's capacity for large-scale production and its effectiveness in processing and marketing forest products. This impressive performance underscores the FPC's role in driving economic growth and its potential for further expansion in the non-timber forest product sector.
The MEDP program focuses on non-timber forest produce, offering participants a 15-day training on value addition processes. During this period, they learn about enhancing the value of products such as custard apple pulp, jamun pulp, ber sticks, and herbal gulal. With support from NABARD, 120 members received training under the Micro Enterprise Development Program, enabling them to generate an additional ₹30-40k annually.
LEDP is a livestock training program that provides 10 days of intensive training related to livestock management. The training focuses on several key areas: understanding and managing goat diseases, reducing mortality rates, increasing the weight of bucks, and maintaining hygiene in livestock areas. Under the LEDP program, 120 members received comprehensive training, leading to significant improvements in goat-rearing practices. The deworming rate increased, resulting in a commendable reduction in the mortality rate from a concerning 25% to a promising 15%. Furthermore, the adoption of proper castration techniques contributed to a remarkable increase in the average weight of each goat by 5-7 kg. Additionally, the annual income of the goat rearers increased by approximately 12,000 after the training.
Twenty-five members participated in an online training program focused on product marketing and e-commerce. This training equipped them with essential skills in digital marketing strategies, social media management, and online sales techniques. Participants learned how to effectively promote their products on various digital platforms, utilize data analytics to target their audience more precisely, and optimize their e-commerce websites for better user experience and higher conversion rates. They also gained insights into customer relationship management and the importance of building a strong online brand presence. As a result, these members are now better prepared to navigate the competitive online marketplace and drive sales growth for their businesses.
All payments to women participating in livelihood activities are directed to their savings accounts to enhance financial inclusion. This initiative ensures that women have greater access to financial services, empowering them economically and promoting sustainable development. By depositing earnings directly into savings accounts, women can manage their finances more effectively, gain financial independence, and build a secure future. This strategy also helps integrate women into the formal banking system, providing them with opportunities for credit, savings, and investment, ultimately contributing to their overall economic growth and stability.
At the end of these training programs, we aim to enroll each member in government social security schemes such as PMJJBY and PMSBY. So far, about 1,000 women have been connected to these schemes, ensuring their financial security and access to essential benefits.
President
Secretory
Tresurer
He is a seasoned individual with over 20 years of experience, and his expertise lies in the domain of team building. Presently, he holds the position of Team Leader at SRIJAN and serves as an esteemed member of the advisory board for Ghoomar Mahila Samiti. His remarkable knowledge and skills in team dynamics make him an invaluable asset in his roles.
Narendra Nath Shandilya is an accomplished freelancer and holds an M.Tech degree from IIT, showcasing his expertise in documentation and legal matters. With more than 5 years of experience, he has established himself as a reputable professional in his field. Additionally, Narendra serves as an advisory member of Ghoomar Mahila Samiti, contributing his valuable insights to the organization.
Piyush is an exceptional individual with profound knowledge and a Deep understanding of project implementation and CSR. With over 5 years of experience, he currently holds a significant position at Coal India Limited, a Maharatna Company. Additionally, he serves as a valued member of the advisory board for Ghoomar Mahila Samiti.
He is an experienced agriculture expert with a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Forestry & Environment and a B.Sc. in Agriculture. With over 23 years of experience, he has worked with various organizations and is currently associated with Ambuja Cement Foundation. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board of Ghoomar Mahila Samiti.
Prabhu Lal Saini is a renowned expert in community institution building with a remarkable track record of 15+ years of experience in the field. He has successfully established numerous self-sustaining institutions that are thriving and making significant impacts. As an esteemed member of the advisory board for Ghoomar Mahila Samiti, he continues to contribute his invaluable insights and expertise to further empower the community.
He is a value chain expert with an M.S.W. and over 10 years of experience, has collaborated with numerous organizations. Presently, he is employed at SRIJAN and serves as a member of the advisory board for Ghoomar Mahila Samiti.
Chief Executive Officer
Manager
Senior Rural Development Facilitator
Senior Rural Development Facilitator
Senior Rural Development Facilitator
Senior Rural Development Facilitator