In a remarkable success story, the first self-help group (SHG) for the gender minority community in Mysuru district, launched 15 months ago, has become a beacon of hope and self-empowerment. The Adarsha Self Help Group, which started with 15 members in July 2023, has not only achieved a turnover of Rs 2.5 lakh but has also helped four of its members embark on self-employment journeys.
The SHG operates without any financial assistance from the government. Instead, members contribute Rs 1,000 monthly, using these funds to support their own initiatives. These contributions have allowed the group to fund the purchase of livestock, such as cows and sheep, for members to generate income. For example, Ramya, a member from HD Kote, bought a cow six months ago and now sells three liters of milk daily, supplementing her income. She also practices art, further diversifying her livelihood.
Shivaram Thimmegowda, the SHG secretary, explained the group’s mission to economically empower the gender minority community by fostering entrepreneurship. “We needed to create our own platform to support our community. Our goal is to expand this SHG to the taluk level and connect with government programs,” he said.
The group’s efforts have shown that even without government aid, community-driven initiatives can make a significant impact on the lives of marginalized groups, offering a pathway to financial independence and dignity.