Stree Shakti Scheme – Analysis of Secondary Data and Development of a Proposal for Field Based Evaluation

Women and Child Development Department in Karnataka launched the Stree Shakthi programme during 2000-01 to empower rural women and make them self reliant. CBPS reviewed the secondary data available for the scheme and planned a detailed evaluation based on the initial findings. Stree Shakthi Groups are formed at the village level to inculcate the savings habit in women, as a step towards economic empowerment. About 15 to 20 women members who are from below poverty line families, landless agricultural labourers, and SC/ST women form a group, which is facilitated through Anganwadi workers and taluk federations. At present there are 1.40 lakh groups functioning in the state, and approximately 21 lakh women members are organized.