Empowering resource-poor women in Bhuj since 2008
Born from the need for a livelihood, Sakhi Sangini Sangathan is a community-based organisation, rooted in the legacy of Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, a pioneering organisation working for women’s empowerment in the rural areas of Kutch district since late 1980s. Our journey began with a research study to analyse the socio-economic conditions of women living in the slums of Bhuj in 2006-7.
We found that women lived in precarious conditions i.e., absent sanitation, poor housing infrastructure, lack of a means of income and entrenched patriarchal norms.
Amidst these challenges, one aspiration rang clear—women wanted to earn, to uplift their families and themselves. Hence, women were linked with a livelihood (door-to-door waste collection) and simultaneously organised into Self Help Groups, building collective strength from the ground up. These SHGs formed the foundation for what would become Sakhi Sangini Sangathan. Officially registered in 2013, this women’s federation is now led by the very women it was created to empower. Today, Sakhi Sangini Sangathan is a testament to what is possible when women organise, lead, and transform their own communities.
Empowering resource-poor women in Bhuj since 2008
Born from the need for a livelihood, Sakhi Sangini Sangathan is a community-based organisation, rooted in the legacy of Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, a pioneering organisation working for women’s empowerment in the rural areas of Kutch district since late 1980s. Our journey began with a research study to analyse the socio-economic conditions of women living in the slums of Bhuj in 2006-7.
We found that women lived in precarious conditions i.e., absent sanitation, poor housing infrastructure, lack of a means of income and entrenched patriarchal norms.
Amidst these challenges, one aspiration rang clear—women wanted to earn, to uplift their families and themselves. Hence, women were linked with a livelihood (door-to-door waste collection) and simultaneously organised into Self Help Groups, building collective strength from the ground up. These SHGs formed the foundation for what would become Sakhi Sangini Sangathan. Officially registered in 2010, this women’s federation is now led by the very women it was created to empower. Today, Sakhi Sangini Sangathan is a testament to what is possible when women organise, lead, and transform their own communities.
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Philosophy
From Struggle to Strength: Women Leading Change
A research study by our founder examined the conditions of women living in Bhuj city’s slums. Following the study, the Urban Cell at KMVS was formed, and dedicated work with women in Bhuj began.
Facilitated the inclusion of 126 women in the Nagarpalika’s door-to-door waste collection program under the Nirmal Gujarat project. Women were directly employed and paid by the municipality, eliminating middlemen contractors. Also supported them in opening personal bank accounts to promote financial autonomy.
Began forming Self Help Groups (SHGs) to organize women and build collective strength.
Linked organized women to diverse livelihood and income generation opportunities, including:
- Home Manager program
- Catering services
- Pickle making and paper bag making initiatives
Hosted the first Sammelan (gathering) of all SHGs, leading to the establishment of Sakhi Sangini Sangathan, and its formal registration as a Society and Trust.
In collaboration with Hunnarshala Foundation, Sakhi Sangini supported housing in slum areas. This was done through funding from Asian Coalition Housing Rights, where the SHGs became facilitated housing support to its members. Sakhi Sangini leaders, along with Hunnershala’s team, monitored the process and its quality.
Based on this successful implementation Sakhi Sangini and Hunnarshala collaborated for building more houses for the vulnerable communities through the Rajeev Awas Yojana (400+ houses built in slum areas of Bhuj)
The social mobilization of the communities involved and the social process of community-led housing was anchored by Sakhi Sangini’s women leaders and members.
Work focussed on:
Microfinance: SHG formation, facilitation and capacity building
Public services: Improving access to PDS and ICDS
Organizing female sex workers in Bhuj under the Samvedana project
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sakhi Sangini worked on the frontlines to ensure food security, safety, and continuity of essential services for its members.
Sakhi Sangini Sangathan became independent of KMVS, beginning autonomous operations under the leadership of locally elected women leaders.
Sakhi Sangini began working on 4 core themes:
- 🟣 Microfinance
- 🩺 Women’s Health
- ⚖️ Legal Aid
- 🧾 Single Window System
In 2023, to support the most vulnerable women of the city, Sakhi Sangini conducted a study on the conditions of migrant women labourers living in Bhuj.
Work with migrant women labourers became a part of the core program of Sakhi Sangini Sangathan
Women-led, Community-Driven Governance
