"When women are empowered, society benefits in every way." – Mahatma Gandhi
In rural Rajasthan, thousands of women are reshaping their future through collective strength. What began as small savings groups for financial inclusion has now transformed into powerful federations driving collective enterprise. Supported by Ambuja Foundation, five federations with 4,000 women members from 65 villages have come together to script a new chapter. These federations are not just platforms of solidarity it is a collective effort for social change – they are producer groups, collectively running businesses, building livelihoods, and leading their families toward financial independence.
From Empowerment to Aspiration
The journey of federations supported by Ambuja Foundation began differently across regions. In Mundwa (Naguar), Chirawa(Jhunjhunu), and Rabriyawas(Beawar), first Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were formed to save together and support each other. Over time, these SHGs joined hands to create federations – stronger collectives that could address community issues and also venture into business activities.
In Alwar and Ajmer, the story took another shape. Women initially united under a Sujal Saheli group by Ambuja Foundation with one simple goal – bringing drinking water to their doorstep through rainwater harvesting structures & techniques. With time, this dream was fulfilled, freeing them from long hours of fetching water. With more time in their hands, aspiration took root – the aspiration to do business, to contribute to household income, and to stand on their own feet.
As one federation member put it, “When water came to our homes, we realized we could do so much more. Now our dream is not just to manage the home, but to run businesses too.”
Marwar Saheli – A Unified Identity
With five federations running enterprises in their own districts, the need arose for a common platform to market collectively and access larger opportunities. This gave birth to Marwar Saheli Goods Pvt. Ltd., established last year.
Registered under the Companies Act 2013 and holding GST and FSSAI licenses, Marwar Saheli acts as the marketing arm of the federations. While the federations remain producers, Marwar Saheli provides them with a unified brand and market presence. Products from Mundwa, Chirawa, Rabriyawas, Alwar, and Ajmer – including pickles, spices, pulses, papads, Bajra cookies and ghee– are now packaged, branded, and sold under the Marwar Saheli name.
For the women, this collective identity has opened doors to opportunities they never imagined. As Saroj, a federation leader, shares: “At no point in our life did we imagine that we would be helming a business. Thanks to Marwar Saheli, we are not only financially better off, but we are respected in our families and communities.”
Building a Business, Tackling Challenges
Like every new venture, the journey wasn’t without challenges. From packaging and pricing to quality control and storage, the federations had to learn how to run businesses. Through training, exposure visits, and most importantly, collective problem-solving, the women overcame each hurdle.
Today, their products reach Border Security Force canteens in Nagaur, supermarkets, and are being prepared for listing on Amazon and a dedicated Marwar Saheli website. Within the very first year, they achieved sales of Rs 32 lakh (2024–25). Now, the collective aims for a Rs 2 crore turnover in the near future, with a long-term aspiration of Rs 5 crore, making them fully independent in the next 4–5 years.
The Road Ahead
The federations are now not just symbols of empowerment, but of enterprise. Their aspiration is clear – to scale up production, reach digital markets, and ensure sustained livelihoods for thousands of women.
For these women, the journey from savings to federation, and from federation to Marwar Saheli, has been transformative. What began with the need for empowerment has blossomed into a movement of financial independence, entrepreneurship, and dignity.
Indeed, Marwar Saheli is more than a company – it is a shared dream, a collective identity, and a testament to the power of women’s federations leading change in Rajasthan. Already, more than 300 women from these federations have become Lakhpati Sakhis—earning over Rs 1 lakh annually—showcasing the true potential of collective effort for social change.
