
"I never thought I could speak in front of others. Today, I lead a group of 15 women."
Sunita Kamble, 34, had spent most of her adult life managing her household in Nigave Dumala. Like many women in rural Maharashtra, she had dreams but lacked the platform and confidence to pursue them.
In March 2021, when Siddhivinayak Social Foundation organized a women empowerment workshop in her village, Sunita was hesitant. "My husband encouraged me to attend. I went with doubts, thinking I wouldn't fit in," she recalls.
The three-day workshop covered financial literacy, self-help group formation, and leadership skills. What struck Sunita most was meeting other women who shared similar fears and aspirations.
"On the second day, we were asked to share our thoughts. My hands were shaking, but I spoke about how women in our village could start small businesses. Everyone listened. That moment changed something in me."
Today, Sunita leads a self-help group of 15 women. They pool savings, provide micro-loans to members, and support local entrepreneurship. Three women from her group have started small businesses—tailoring, pickle-making, and vegetable vending.
Impact: Sunita's group has mobilized ₹45,000 in collective savings and provided interest-free loans to 8 members. She now mentors other women interested in forming similar groups.


