A fundamental belief in the ability of people, working collectively, to revolutionize their communities.
Women’s collectives
Self Help Groups are voluntary groups of 10–25 people who meet regularly to save, develop small businesses, and create change in their lives and communities. Found across the world in many forms, Self Help Groups foster self-esteem, agency, and confidence while providing a platform for collective action.
As women come together, they build relationships, strengthen their collective voice, and cultivate hope for a better future. Groups can address diverse needs, from livelihoods and financial skills to health, disaster risk reduction, and human rights. As members gain experience, they often establish new groups, expanding the model organically and supporting broader social, political, and economic change.
Research
We generate rigorous evidence about what works, helping partners, funders, and policymakers make better-informed decisions about how resources and power are directed.
Community-Led Programing
We support local actors and the organizations that work alongside them to build stronger systems, strengthen governance, and develop locally led solutions that can grow and endure.
Policy & Advocacy
We build trusted relationships with governments, donors, and other decision-makers and use evidence to influence the policies, funding, and systems that enable locally led change.
Supporting Self Help Groups
A practical guide for organizations, practitioners, and facilitators integrating the Self Help Group approach into their programs. It provides step-by-step support for applying the SHG model to foster community-led development, including key concepts, methodologies, tools, and best practices. Adaptable across contexts and sectors, the guide supports local facilitators and partners in creating an enabling environment where SHG members lead their own journey through collective action, autonomy, and self-leadership.
37%
Women’s groups are associated with a 37% reduction in maternal mortality.
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