Lambani Women Empowerment
Building Confidence Through Craft and Collective Strength
In the villages of Yadgir, a group of determined Lambani women have redefined their identity – not just as traditional artisans, but as entrepreneurs, leaders, and agents of change.
What began as a community mobilization and training initiative led by Kalike evolved into something far more powerful: the formation of the Dharmani Mahila Swa-Sahaya Sangha — a self-help group (SHG) led and run by Lambani women.
Who They Are
These women, previously confined to informal livelihoods and limited economic opportunity, were trained and empowered through Kalike’s skill development programs. With structured training, exposure, and handholding, they built the confidence and capabilities to form their own SHG and operate independently.
The Dharmani SHG is not just about producing craft – it’s about fostering resilience, financial inclusion, and women-led enterprise in rural North Karnataka.
What They Do
- Engages in craft production and traditional Lambani embroidery
- Participates in community fairs and exhibitions
- Links directly with markets and local buyer networks
- Has developed financial discipline, internal governance, and peer accountability
- Is setting an example for replicable micro-enterprise models among tribal women
These women are reclaiming their identity – not as beneficiaries, but as contributors to the local economy.
Why It Matters
In Yadgir, where seasonal migration, gender inequality, and low employment rates are persistent challenges, Dharmani SHG stands as a proof of concept for what works when women are trusted with leadership, trained with intent, and supported with the right ecosystem.
- Their success is triggering new SHG formations in neighboring communities
- They represent the intersection of tradition and modernity
- Their progress reduces dependency and migration
Approach
Kalike’s model for SHG empowerment, as exemplified by Dharmani, focuses on:
- Capacity building through hands-on training and exposure
- Market integration with local supply chains
- Financial literacy and SHG strengthening
- Enabling access to skill-based and value-added livelihoods
- Building community institutions that are independent, accountable, and scalable
Progress at a Glance
From artisans to entrepreneurs, the journey of Dharmani SHG is a testament to the power of collective strength, identity, and opportunity.
- SHG formally registered and active
- 20+ women consistently earning through crafts
- Linkages with local exhibitions and urban buyer networks
- SHG-run savings and loan system functioning independently