IGP – Vathsalya Charitable Trust

“The woman I was yesterday, introduced me to the woman I am today; which makes me excited about meeting the woman I will become tomorrow.”

- A collective voice

Vathsalya Income Generation Program (IGP)

The Income Generation Program (IGP) is designed to empower women, particularly those from single-income or single-mother households, by offering skill development and financial guidance. The program equips women with practical skills such as tailoring, crafting, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to generate additional income to support their families. Through training and peer-support initiatives, IGP plays a vital role in family strengthening through economic empowerment.

Our organization is dedicated to creating livelihood opportunities through vocational training, skill-building, and entrepreneurial support. By equipping individuals with the tools to earn a sustainable income, we align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) — Decent Work and Economic Growth, aiming for inclusive, sustainable economic growth and productive employment for all.

Program evolution

Inception:

The Income Generation Program (IGP), initiated by Vathsalya Charitable Trust (VCT) in 2017, began with a mission to uplift single mothers and their children by focusing on women and their needs. The program introduced the concept of an accountability partner, someone from the women’s personal circle who would help them stay on track with their goals. Over time, it became clear that these women needed more than just financial assistance—they needed emotional support as well. This realization led to the creation of the Peer Support Group in 2018.

Collaboration:

During the same year, IGP collaborated with government bodies, including the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), which provided space for a VCT training center in one of their buildings. This collaboration significantly helped the program grow, allowing more women to benefit from the skill training workshops.

Resilience:

In 2020, when the COVID-19 lockdown affected communities across the country, VCT’s IGP workers went into these communities to provide immediate help and support to families in need. This initiative reinforced the importance of IGP’s role in not just economic empowerment, but community care during crises.

Transition:

By 2022, the Women Development Program evolved into a Self-Help Group (SHG) model, ensuring compliance with regulations and offering a more structured, community-based approach. The SHG model provided women with a platform for mutual support, financial growth, and collective decision-making, which enhanced their economic stability.

Research and Expansion:

In 2023, an academic study conducted by the team revealed new insights into the program’s potential. The research identified a range of activities that could further benefit participants, particularly in addressing the adverse effects that financial constraints have on the mental health of single mothers. This discovery led to a renewed focus on developing services that support the holistic well-being of these women, recognizing their critical role in a child’s life.

Skill Development and Economic Strengthening

The program offers various skill development workshops, focusing on:

Tailoring
Jute product creation
Quilt making
Wire and paper basket crafting
Spoken English

These initiatives focus on empowering women to generate additional income, allowing them to support their families while building self-reliance and confidence.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Operating through Self-Help Groups, the IGP emphasizes community-driven financial empowerment. Each group consists of 10-15 women who come together to pool savings and offer each other financial and emotional support. SHGs help women build financial resilience and foster a sense of community, reinforcing both personal and collective growth.

Program Impact:

360 women trained in skills like tailoring and crafting, leading to improved family financial stability.
80% of participants have launched small businesses or secured employment in industries such as garment manufacturing.
Women are educated on topics like self-esteem, stress management, financial literacy, and women’s health.

The Peer Support Groups offer regular emotional support and camaraderie for single mothers, promoting mental well-being.

Impact

The Income Generation Program has impacted 1606 women by providing skill training in various skills like tailoring, production of jute bags, wire baskets, coasters, and many more. Women who receive training are able to set up businesses on their own, or join the garment industry and earn a good wage that supports their families.

A total of 553 single mothers have been able to earn a livelihood for themselves and their children through the IGP program.

Many of the women are part of the sanghas that are organised by the team. This helps them with financial aid, encourages them to save a part of their income for the future, and also empowers them to handle their financial and personal situations with greater support. They find strength and support in their peers and are able to grow in confidence and self-esteem while having to weather difficult moments in their lives.

Sustainable Development Goals

Our organization is dedicated to creating livelihood opportunities through vocational training, skill-building, and entrepreneurial support. By equipping individuals with the tools to earn a sustainable income, we align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) — Decent Work and Economic Growth, aiming for inclusive, sustainable economic growth and productive employment for all.

Testimonials

We are grateful to hear stories of hope and transformation from those we’ve had the privilege to support on their journey.

She is very grateful to Vathsalya for the training that is provided during 3 month and during these 3 months she was able to learn sewing step by step from the vct trainer and now she has shown so much improvement and is able to earn a proper income independently.

Sabiha

She is very happy to be trained in IGP, which gave her a opportunities to learn switching for 5 month where she was able to show interest and start sewing at home and was able to get a profit where she was able to get the basic need from that income, she is so grateful to Vathsalya for the service they provide which helped her to earn and as well for emotional support.

Sara

Uma is thankful to Vathsalya where they help many women to learn skills and give training to make them to be able to earn income independently, she is one of them and feel so grateful to be enrolled in the skills training, now she is able to earn by working at home.

Uma

The client is forever thankful to Vathsalya for giving her the opportunities which really helped her to find her interest during the training periods where she felt good about sewing and came up with many designs and styles, she is also very interested to teach others, now she sews at home and earns a basic profit.

Bhagyashree

As a social worker and as an academician, I have always admired the very methodical and organised manner of functioning of Vatsalya. The organisation is giving back to the community in more ways than one and has helped shape many social work students from a field work point of view. Bengaluru is now home to a large migrant population who need support and Vatsalya through its projects and programmes is helping to empower them.

Dr. S. Rama Gokula Krishnan School of Social Work, St. Joseph's University

Team that makes it all possible

Anjali

Skill Trainer

Anjali has strong craft skills and expertise in casework. She conducts jewellery training for women, empowering them with creative and practical skills.

Nisha

Skill Trainer

Nisha conducts tailoring training at Hebbal and Kushal Nagar centers. Skilled in stitching all types of clothing, she effectively trains mothers and builds strong connections with women.

Prabha

Skill Trainer

Prabha leads jute training across all IGP skill centers. She excels in developing innovative products and maintaining exceptional product quality.

Shashikala

Community Accountability Partner

Shashikala has outstanding community work skills, identifies women in need, and possesses deep knowledge of government schemes, supporting local initiatives effectively.

Srimathi

IGP Project Officer

She is an MSW graduate from Bangalore University specializing in Social Work with Families (Medical & Psychiatric Social Work), focuses on project planning, implementation, & community resource mobilization. She plays a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of operations at Vathsalya’s centers & within the community.

Vaideshwari

Community Accountability Partner

Vaideshwari conducts tailoring and jewellery training at Naganapalya. She connects well with the community, fostering engagement and skill development.

Vanaja

Skill Trainer

Vanaja conducts tailoring training in multiple locations, including Kalyan Nagar and Gubbi. She specializes in basket weaving and paper baskets, forming great relationships with the community.