EmpowerHer

Supported by NPST and implemented by Ladli Foundation Trust, the EmpowerHer: Livelihood, Skills & Micro-Business Program benefited 8,000 women across Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative strengthened financial awareness, digital confidence and access to formal financial services among women from underserved communities.

Programme at a Glance

• 8,000 women reached

• Three states covered: Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh

• CSR partner: NPST

• Implementation partner: Ladli Foundation Trust

• Focus areas: Financial literacy, digital inclusion, government schemes, livelihoods and micro-enterprise

Building Practical Financial Capabilities

The programme began with community mobilisation through self-help groups, local organisations, community leaders and grassroots networks. Women were trained in small batches through interactive, in-person sessions, enabling them to ask questions, share experiences and understand financial concepts through practical, everyday examples.

The training covered essential financial skills, including:

• Household budgeting and savings

• Banking and insurance

• Credit awareness and responsible borrowing

• Financial planning and informed decision-making

• Livelihood, self-employment and micro-business opportunities

Practical demonstrations and group discussions helped participants apply these concepts tohousehold expenses, future needs and financial decisions for themselves and their families.

Promoting Digital and Financial Inclusion

Digital inclusion was a major component of EmpowerHer. Participants received practical guidance on using UPI, digital payments, mobile banking and online financial services.

The sessions also covered digital safety, including the secure use of passwords, banking information and personal data. This helped women use digital financial platforms with greater confidence while protecting themselves from fraud and misuse of information.

Connecting Women with Government Schemes

The initiative extended beyond classroom-based training by helping eligible women understand and access banking services, social-security benefits and government schemes.

Participants received information and support related to:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

• Atal Pension Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan

Women were guided in understanding eligibility requirements, arranging necessary documents, completing applications and connecting with relevant banks and government departments.

From Awareness to Action

Telephonic evaluations were conducted following the training sessions to assess knowledge retention and reinforce learning. Participant progress was tracked, certificates were distributed and follow-up guidance was provided to encourage the practical application of budgeting, savings, digital transactions and financial planning.

By combining financial education, digital skills and institutional linkages, EmpowerHer helped women move from awareness to action. Participants became better equipped to manage household finances, use digital services safely, access government benefits and explore opportunities for livelihoods, self-employment and micro-enterprise

The partnership combined NPST’s strategic CSR support with Ladli Foundation Trust’s grassroots implementation experience, creating a structured pathway towards informed financial decision-making, greater inclusion and long-term self-reliance for women.