Kollengode (District of Palakkad, Kerala, India) is a backward area in many respects. Its isolated location of villages, poor infrastructure and service facilities and male dominant society etc. have all contributed to the poverty among the poorest rural women. Unlike other areas, women predominantly are engaged in daily labour for existence.

Lack of water in the irrigation and hydro-systems have virtually eliminated the second crop harvest which has immensely contributed to poverty in this area. As a consequence, people in this area are forced to engage in casual and seasonal labour in far of places, leaving their school aged children at home to take care of infants. Scarcity of water has forced women to set apart a substantial part of their time for fetching water from long distance.  Therefore SRI is constantly striving hard to provide alternative and innovative livelihood income generating activities for the poorest rural women which can be the platform to move forward for their socio-economic empowerment process.

A non-traditional job for a traditional woman, a well digging machine in operation.

Our study, research and experience indicate that poorest rural women in this part are responsible, accountable, have entrepreneurial skills, can wisely invest money, can repay, and above all, are credit-worthy. They are sincere, hardworking and want to improve their living standard. With proper orientation , motivation, training, assistance, guidance and leadership, these poorest rural women are capable of alleviating poverty by themselves and become masters of their own destiny.

The successful implementation of this program in all centers have proved beyond doubt that women can make investment wisely without their men-folk, with a repayment record of almost 100%.  If we go one step towards them, they will come a hundred steps towards us.