Dweepsree was launched in the Lakshwadeep islands in 2017, taking inspiration from Kerala’s “Kudumbashree”, one of the best-run women’s self-help system in the country.
“Till Dweepsree was formed, we mostly remained indoors. We were busy taking care of our chores and sometimes trying to earn something by making snacks for shops.”
“We did not know what a bank was and how we could independently take care of my child’s needs at school,” Shaharumma, a member and Community Resource Person, shared.
“It instilled a sense of equality and independence. We now have several units that are self-reliant through their own micro-enterprises,” Roshida, chairperson of the Agatti unit said.
“Our idea through Dweepsree was women empowerment and poverty reduction if not alleviation. We were first trained by the mentors from Kudumbasree in Kerala,” Roshida said.
The Dweepsree units in the Islands also have micro-finance facilities with a low-interest rate that comes to the aid of the members during financial emergencies.
“Our ideas and efforts are to bring the differently able to the mainstream. The idea is also to provide them an opportunity to experience something they have never experienced.”