Empowering Women in Rural Himachal

Haripur’s Self-Help Success Story 

In the heart of Chamba’s Haripur Gram Panchayat, a quiet revolution is reshaping the lives of rural women. The *Aastha Mahila Self-Help Group* has emerged as a beacon of self-reliance and empowerment, showcasing how collective effort, training, and a strong will can transform communities.

Since its establishment in 2014 and subsequent involvement with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in 2018, the group has been engaged in producing traditional products such as pickles, Chamba Chukh, papads, and other delicacies. This initiative allows each member to earn an additional income of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 annually, providing financial relief and security to their families. The efforts of Aastha and eight other associated groups, operating under the *Ekta Mahila Gram Sangathan*, extend beyond the local market, with their products reaching state and national levels.

Group secretary Rita Devi shares that training at R-SETI Balu equipped them with skills to scale their operations, enabling greater production and market reach. Their success extends to managing a Him Ira canteen at a government polytechnic in Chamba, demonstrating the potential for growth when women unite for a cause.

But this story of empowerment does not come without its challenges. Women in Haripur are calling for government support to establish a dedicated sales outlet in Chamba city, which would bolster sales and visibility. Additionally, access to subsidized machinery and plants would further reduce production costs, allowing them to compete with branded products on a larger scale.

National Rural Livelihood Mission executive Nisha emphasizes the program’s role in training and empowering women to engage in diverse business activities. With financial and training support, these women are not only gaining self-reliance but are also leading their communities towards collective growth and prosperity.

In Haripur, what began as a small initiative is today a powerful movement of women reclaiming their space in society—one pickle jar and Chamba Chukh packet at a time.