Predominantly involved in inter-lending and providing community support, Self-Help Groups in Ambuja Foundation’s core villages are now also fighting COVID-19 — by making face masks!

Across Ambuja Foundation's locations, more than 61,000 face masks have been made and distributed. In some places, SHGs together with Federations and Sarpanches help distribute masks in villages and even at local police stations.

In Marwa Mundwa, Rajasthan, the local municipality approached Ambuja Foundation to help make health masks through SHGs. Over 30 women from 6 SHGs came together and produced 7,500 masks in just a few days using their own sewing machines. These masks were distributed to Nagar Palikas, medical stores, municipality offices, and villages.

Amid urgent demand, SHG women dedicate 6–7 hours daily to making masks. After finishing household chores, they focus on stitching as many masks as possible. They have paused regular tailoring work to prioritize this effort and take precautions such as sanitizing and wearing masks themselves while working. Plans are underway to train more SHG members and provide additional sewing machines.

As part of the Women Empowerment Program, Ambuja Foundation offers tailoring and other hobby classes. This training proved invaluable now, turning women into entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity. From sourcing material, making prototypes, to getting them approved by local authorities — these women have risen to meet demand and earn income. Ambuja Foundation supports them to keep up with local needs while also providing livelihoods.

Creating Self-Help Groups is central to Ambuja Foundation’s Women Empowerment Program, engaging women to move beyond the household. The Foundation helps SHGs build savings habits, learn income-generating skills, and take leadership roles in the community. Thanks to this, many women today have become decision makers in their villages — some even elected as Sarpanches or Ward Members.