In many underserved communities, women traders and micro-entrepreneurs face chronic challenges due to limited access to capital and dependence on high-interest informal loans. The Women Supportive Livelihood Program, implemented by HANDS (Human And Natural Resources Development Society), directly responds to these challenges by providing affordable, collateral-free financial support combined with capacity-building and mentoring.
Through a structured Revolving Fund model, the program has supported 1,020 women entrepreneurs to establish and strengthen small businesses such as tailoring units, petty shops, food vending, dairy and livestock rearing, beauty services, and agro-based enterprises. This approach enables women to gradually scale their enterprises while developing financial discipline, entrepreneurial skills, and self-confidence.
By reducing dependency on predatory moneylenders, the program has significantly improved household income security, enhanced women’s decision-making power, and enabled greater investment in children’s education and healthcare. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative has fostered leadership, solidarity, and resilience among women’s groups at the community level.