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Made in Ballia: Women Entrepreneurs Begin Production of Affordable Footwear

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They say that to empower a woman, you must help her stand on her own feet. At GJKS, we have taken this literally.

We are proud to announce the latest addition to our rural industrial hub: A semi-automatic Footwear (Chappal) Making Unit.

We have successfully installed the machinery and completed the first batch of intensive training for our Self-Help Group (SHG) members. Today, the women who once walked miles in worn-out slippers are now manufacturing high-quality footwear for their entire village.

Why Footwear? A Daily Necessity

When choosing a new business avenue for our SHGs, we look for products with high local demand. In rural India, the “Hawaii Chappal” (rubber slipper) is a household staple. Everyone, from a school-going child to an elderly farmer, needs them.

By producing them locally, we are achieving two goals:

  1. Guaranteed Market: There is a customer in every home.

  2. Affordability: By cutting out transport and middleman costs, we can provide high-quality slippers to villagers at a lower price than big city brands.

Mastering the Machine

A machine is only as good as the hands that operate it. Before starting production, GJKS organized a comprehensive technical training workshop.

The women were trained in every step of the manufacturing process:

  • Sheet Cutting: Precision cutting of rubber sheets for different foot sizes.

  • Drilling & Grinding: Smoothing the edges for comfort and safety.

  • Strap Fitting: Assembling the final product using the strapping machine.

  • Finishing: Ensuring the final product looks professional and is durable.

“At first, the machine looked complicated,” says one of our new trainees. “But after the training, I can cut and assemble a pair in minutes. It feels good to make something so useful.”

A Step in the Right Direction

This unit is more than just a factory; it is a source of steady income. Unlike seasonal farming, footwear production can happen year-round, rain or shine.

The slippers produced here will soon be available at our Hamaragaon Smart Store and other local outlets.

With this initiative, GJKS continues to diversify the skills of rural women, proving that whether it is making food, rolling incense, or manufacturing footwear, there is nothing a determined woman cannot do.

Support our women. Buy local.

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15 Groups, One Vision: Celebrating a New Milestone in Ballia’s Women Empowerment Journey

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Change is often slow at first, but once it takes hold, it becomes an unstoppable force. Today, GJKS witnessed the power of that force.

We are overjoyed to announce the formation of our 15th Self-Help Group (SHG).

Reaching the milestone of 15 groups is a significant achievement in numbers, but the real story lies in the spirit of the women joining us. What started as a small initiative has turned into a widespread movement across the villages of Ballia.

From Hesitation to Eagerness

In the early days of our mission, our volunteers spent hours counseling families, explaining the benefits of unity and financial independence.
Today, the dynamic has completely shifted.

We no longer have to convince women to join; they are coming to us.
The women of our 15th SHG didn’t just sign up to save money—they signed up because they are “eager to work.” They have seen their neighbors in existing SHGs earning through Sattu making, incense rolling, and dairy farming, and they are saying, “We want to change our lives too.”

The Power of 15

With 15 active groups, we have now created a formidable network of hundreds of women. This isn’t just a social gathering; it is an economic engine.

  • More Hands: More women means increased production capacity for our Smart Store.

  • More Voices: A larger collective voice to advocate for village improvements.

  • More Resilience: A stronger financial safety net for hundreds of families.

A Cultural Shift

The most beautiful aspect of this milestone is seeing women step out of their domestic thresholds with confidence. They are no longer defined solely by their household chores; they are defining themselves as entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and community leaders.

As we welcome this 15th group into the GJKS family, we are reminded that our role is simply to provide the platform. The courage, the hard work, and the burning desire to succeed belong entirely to them.

Here’s to the 15th SHG, and to the many more that will follow.

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From Village Farms to Your Kitchen: Women Entrepreneurs Bet Big on Health and Tradition

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In a market flooded with adulterated food and synthetic supplements, the world is going back to its roots. People are searching for honest, pure, and nutritious food.

GJKS is proud to announce that the women of our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are answering this demand. Expanding their production line beyond basic staples, our women entrepreneurs have now started producing and packaging two high-value products: Organic Moringa Powder and Pure Desi Ghee.

The Miracle Green: Moringa Powder

Often called the “Miracle Tree,” the Drumstick tree (Sahjan) is native to our soil. However, its true value was often overlooked.
Our SHG women are now harvesting fresh Moringa leaves, sun-drying them under hygienic conditions, and grinding them into a fine, nutrient-dense powder.

  • Why it matters: Moringa is a global superfood, packed with 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more Potassium than bananas.

  • The Business: By processing the leaves into powder, the women have increased the value of the crop tenfold, turning a common backyard tree into a significant income source.

Liquid Gold: Pure Desi Ghee

Finding authentic Desi Ghee in today’s market is a challenge. Most commercial brands are mass-produced and lack the aroma and texture of traditional ghee.

Our SHG women have taken up the mantle of restoring this tradition.

  • The Process: Using milk from their own cattle, the women use the traditional slow-cooking method to extract ghee.

  • The Quality: The result is Danedar (granular) Ghee with a rich aroma that reminds you of a grandmother’s kitchen. It is completely free from preservatives and vegetable oil adulteration.

Value Addition: The Key to Wealth

This initiative represents a shift in mindset.
Instead of selling raw milk for a low price, the women are converting it into Ghee. Instead of letting Moringa leaves fall and rot, they are turning them into a health supplement.

By adding value to raw materials, our SHG members are maximizing their profits and ensuring that their hard work pays off.

Health for You, Wealth for Them

Every bottle of Ghee or packet of Moringa powder you buy serves two purposes:

  1. Your Health: You get pure, unadulterated nutrition for your family.

  2. Their Livelihood: You directly support the financial independence of a rural woman.

These premium products are now available at our Hamaragaon Smart Store. Come, taste the purity of the village.

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Strong Roots, Strong Trees: Bridging the Learning Gap for Primary School Children in Ballia

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Going to school is the first step, but learning is the journey. In many rural areas, while enrollment numbers are high, the quality of learning often suffers due to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of support at home.

To address this “learning crisis,” GJKS has introduced Supplementary Basic Education Centers for children from Nursery up to Class 5.

This initiative runs apart from regular school hours, ensuring that students get the extra attention they need to master the basics.

The Challenge: The “First-Generation” Gap

Many of the children in our villages are “first-generation learners,” meaning their parents never had the opportunity to attend school. While these parents are eager for their children to study, they are often unable to help with homework or explain complex concepts at home.

As a result, if a child misses a concept in school, they fall behind. Over time, this gap widens, leading to a fear of studies and eventually, dropouts.

The Solution: Strengthening the Foundation

Our program is designed to be the bridge between the school and the home. We focus on the “Three Rs”—Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic.

  • Concept Clarity: We revisit lessons taught in school, explaining them in simple, local language to ensure every child understands.

  • Homework Support: We provide a quiet, guided environment where children can complete their school assignments with the help of trained tutors.

  • Fun Learning: unlike the rigid school structure, our centers use storytelling, games, and interactive methods to make learning enjoyable for young minds.

Why Class 5 Matters

We have specifically targeted children up to Class 5 because these form the foundation years. Research shows that if a child cannot read fluently or do basic math by Class 5, they struggle for the rest of their academic life.

By intervening early, GJKS is ensuring that these children enter middle and high school with confidence, not confusion.

Creating Confident Learners

The results are already visible. Children who were once shy to open their books are now raising their hands in class. Their handwriting has improved, their reading speed has increased, and most importantly, they are excited to learn.

At GJKS, we are not just teaching subjects; we are teaching children how to learn.

Investing in these early years is the best investment for Ballia’s future.

A Gift of Love: GJKS Supports Underprivileged Families by Donating Wedding Essentials

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In India, a wedding is not just a ceremony; it is a union of families and a celebration of community. However, for many financially struggling households in rural Ballia, the joy of a daughter’s wedding is often overshadowed by the crushing weight of expense.

Recognizing that financial hardship should never rob a family of their dignity during such a significant life event, GJKS stepped forward to lend a helping hand.

Turning Worry into Celebration

For a daily wage earner or a struggling farmer, the cost of arranging a wedding—from rituals to basic household gifts for the couple—can lead to years of debt.

To alleviate this stress, GJKS organized a distribution drive to provide wedding necessities to poor families in our operational villages.
We identified the most vulnerable households preparing for marriage and provided them with essential items required to start a new life. These included:

  • Household Utensils & Kitchenware

  • Clothing & Textiles

  • Bedding & Essentials

  • Rations for the Wedding Feast

A Community That Cares

“I was worried about how I would manage the expenses without taking a loan from the moneylender,” shared one of the beneficiaries. “GJKS stood by us like family.”

This initiative is about more than just material goods. It is about social security. By covering these basic costs, we ensure that:

  1. Debt is Avoided: Families do not have to fall into the trap of high-interest loans just to get their children married.

  2. Dignity is Preserved: Parents can send their daughters off with pride and blessings, rather than anxiety.

Holistic Social Welfare

At GJKS, our mission extends beyond education and employment. We believe in being a pillar of support for our villagers in every aspect of life—from the classroom to the mandap.

By sharing the burden, we multiplied the happiness. We wish the newlyweds a prosperous and happy life ahead.

Standing with our community, in times of need and in times of celebration.

Doubling the Impact: GJKS Installs Second Grinding Unit in Village Balua to Meet Soaring Demand

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Growth brings new challenges, and the best challenge to have is high demand.

Following the massive success of our first livelihood center, the number of women joining our initiative has grown rapidly. The sheer volume of Sattu, Besan, and spices being produced meant that a single machine could no longer keep up with the ambition of our women entrepreneurs.

GJKS is proud to announce that we have risen to the occasion.

A New Hub in Balua

Today, we successfully installed a second industrial-grade grinding machine, specially procured and transported all the way from Lucknow.

This new unit has been set up in Village Balua (Maniyar-Bandish, Ballia), marking our expansion into a second dedicated facility. This strategic move ensures that women in and around Balua have immediate access to processing facilities without having to travel to the first center.

Running Non-Stop for Success

The machines are a testament to the hard work of the SHG members.
With two centers now fully operational in two different villages, the hum of productivity never stops.
Our machines are currently running for at least 12 hours daily.

From early morning until late evening, these units are processing grains to produce the famous Ballia products that are filling the shelves of our Smart Store and local markets.

Expanding the Circle of Opportunity

With 2 machines in 2 villages, we have effectively doubled our capacity.

  • Reduced Waiting Time: Women no longer have to wait in long queues to process their raw materials.

  • Increased Income: Higher production capacity means more sales and more profit for every household involved.

This second machine is not just a piece of iron and steel brought from Lucknow; it is an engine of hope. It signals that GJKS is scaling up, and we are committed to ensuring that every woman who wants to work has the tools to do so.

One machine started the spark. Two machines are fueling the fire of change.

A Growing Movement: GJKS Inaugurates 10th SHG as Neighboring Villages Call for Change

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They say that success makes noise. In the villages of Ballia, the success of GJKS (Gramin Jan Kalyan Samiti) is echoing loud and clear.

We are thrilled to announce a significant organizational milestone: We have officially established our 10th Self-Help Group (SHG).

What started as a small experiment to bring women together has now blossomed into a robust network of ten disciplined, financially literate, and ambitious groups. But the numbers tell only half the story; the real success lies in the trust we have earned.

The Ripple Effect: Villages are Calling Us

In the early days, our volunteers spent weeks convincing households of the benefits of joining an SHG. Today, the tide has turned.

News of the prosperity and independence of our existing members has spread to surrounding areas. We are now receiving invitations from different villages requesting us to come and set up SHGs in their communities. Women from neighboring areas are seeing the transformation in GJKS members—their ability to save, their new businesses, and their confidence—and they want to be part of this change.

This “pull factor” is the greatest validation of our work. It proves that the GJKS model is not just sustainable; it is desirable.

Financial Trust: Unlocking Bank Loans

Creating a group is the first step; empowering them financially is the second.

We are proud to report that our SHGs have achieved a high level of financial discipline, making them eligible for mainstream banking support. Several of our SHGs have successfully secured loans from formal banks.

This is a massive achievement. For a rural woman who previously struggled to open a savings account, receiving a business loan from a bank is a leap toward financial inclusion.

Fueling Micro-Businesses

These loans are not being used for consumption; they are being invested in production. With the capital secured from banks and the skills training provided by GJKS, our members are launching their own micro-businesses, ranging from:

  • Food processing (Sattu, Pickles, Papad)

  • Handicrafts (Incense sticks, Candles)

  • Goat rearing and dairy

  • Retail shops

The bank loans act as the fuel, and the women’s hard work is the engine driving these new ventures.

The Road Ahead

Reaching our 10th SHG is a moment of pride, but the invitations from new villages remind us that our work is far from over. We are committed to honoring these requests and expanding our footprint.

GJKS is no longer just an organization; it is a growing movement of women, by women, and for women.

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Bringing the Market Home: GJKS Launches First ‘Hamaragaon Smart Store’ to Boost Rural Livelihoods

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Producing high-quality goods is only half the battle; selling them is the other half. For too long, the women of our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) faced a difficult choice: spend their entire day traveling to distant city markets to sell their produce, or sell to middlemen at throwaway prices.

GJKS is proud to announce the solution: The Hamaragaon Smart Store.

We have established our very first retail outlet dedicated exclusively to products made by rural women. This is not just a shop; it is a bridge between the hardworking village producer and the local consumer.

The Smart Store Model: Zero Rent, Maximum Profit

The biggest enemy of a small business is overhead cost. Shop rent, electricity bills, and maintenance often eat up the small profits a rural woman makes.

The Hamaragaon Smart Store changes the rules of the game.

  • Rent-Free: GJKS provides the space entirely free of cost.

  • Direct Sales: Women sell directly to the customer. There are no middlemen taking a cut.

Because the women do not have to pay for the shelf space, every rupee earned from a sale goes directly towards their livelihood and family welfare.

What’s on the Shelves?

The store showcases the best of Ballia, produced fresh by our SHG members using the machinery and training provided by GJKS. Customers can now buy:

  • Authentic Foodstuffs: Freshly ground Bhatti Sattu, pure Besan, and handmade Papads.

  • Household Items: Hand-rolled Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Candles.

  • Seasonal Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms.

By buying from the Hamaragaon Smart Store, the community gets fresh, unadulterated products, and the money stays within the village economy.

A Pilot for a Bigger Vision

This first store is just the beginning. We are treating this as a pilot project to test the market and refine our operations.

Our vision is ambitious: If this model proves successful, GJKS pledges to replicate the Hamaragaon Smart Store in different villages across the district. We envision a network of these stores, creating a decentralized supply chain where rural women are the leaders of commerce.

Shop Local, Change Lives

We invite the community to visit the store and experience the quality of rural craftsmanship. When you shop at Hamaragaon Smart Store, you aren’t just buying a packet of Sattu or a box of incense—you are validating the hard work of a village daughter.

From Homemakers to Entrepreneurs: GJKS Provides Machinery, Power, and Premises to Launch Women-Led Businesses

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Talent is abundant in rural Ballia, but resources are scarce. At GJKS, we realized that training alone is not enough. To truly break the cycle of poverty, women need the “Three Ms”: Machinery, Market, and Means.

We are proud to announce the launch of our fully equipped Livelihood Production Center, a dedicated space where the women of our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are transforming from daily wage earners into business owners.

1. Preserving the Taste of Ballia: The Grinding Unit

Ballia is famous for its distinct culinary treasures, particularly Bhatti Sattu, Besan, and spicy Papads. However, most local women were unable to capitalize on this demand due to a lack of heavy-duty equipment.

GJKS has bridged this gap by installing commercial-grade Grinding Machines.
Now, instead of selling raw grains for a pittance, the women are processing them into high-value products:

  • Famous Ballia Bhatti Sattu: Processed hygienically and authentically.

  • Pure Besan & Spices: Freshly ground for local markets.

  • Handmade Papad: utilizing traditional recipes passed down through generations.

By owning the means of production, these women now retain the profits that used to go to middlemen.

2. Lighting the Way: Candle and Incense Making

Diversification is key to a stable income. Alongside food processing, we have conducted intensive training sessions on non-farm livelihoods.

  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Women have been trained to roll and perfume high-quality agarbatti, which has a steady demand in local markets and temples.

  • Candle Making: A skill that ensures income during festivals and power outages.

3. Removing the Overhead Burdens

Starting a business usually requires capital that the poor do not have. Rent and electricity bills often crush a small business before it even starts.

To ensure these women succeed, GJKS has provided a complete ecosystem of support:

  • Rent-Free Premises: We have provided a dedicated workspace at zero cost, ensuring their earnings go into their pockets, not to a landlord.

  • Free Electricity & Utilities: Addressing the chronic power issues in the region, we ensure the center has the power required to run the machines and lights, allowing work to continue without interruption.

The Impact: Dignity and Income

This initiative is not just about making Sattu or candles; it is about creating financial freedom.

With a safe workspace, modern machinery, and no overhead costs, these SHG women are now earning a respectable livelihood. They are no longer dependent on uncertain daily labor; they are proud producers of Ballia’s finest goods.

Support Local, Support Empowerment.
When you buy these products, you are not just buying food or fragrance; you are investing in the independence of a rural woman.

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A Socio-Economic Assessment of 300 Households Reveals Critical Gaps in Livelihood and Infrastructure

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To solve a problem effectively, one must first understand its depth. At GJKS, we believe that development must be data-driven and rooted in the reality of the ground.

Recently, our team conducted an extensive Socio-Economic Survey covering over 1,000 women across 300+ households. Our objective was clear: to assess the true state of livelihood opportunities, educational needs, and social challenges in our operational villages.

The findings were not just statistics; they were a wake-up call. While the resilience of these women is undeniable, the systemic barriers they face are formidable.

1. Trapped in the Poverty Cycle

The most overarching finding of our survey is that these families are stuck in a vicious cycle of poverty. Despite their willingness to work, the lack of capital, skills, and resources prevents them from generating a surplus income. They earn enough to survive today, but not enough to invest in tomorrow. This stagnation means that without external intervention, the next generation is at risk of inheriting the same financial struggle.

2. The Transportation Trap: Losing Time and Money

For rural women, time is money—and our survey reveals they are losing both due to a severe lack of transportation.
Many of these women rely on selling agricultural produce or handmade goods to sustain their families. However, the survey found that limited transportation options are a major bottleneck.

Women are forced to spend nearly the entire day just to travel to the nearest market to sell their produce. This inefficiency is devastating; hours that could be spent on production, caring for children, or learning new skills are lost in transit. The cost and effort of travel often eat into their meager profits, making their hard work barely sustainable.

3. Living in the Dark: The Energy Crisis

Infrastructure challenges extend beyond the roads and into the homes. Our data highlights a rampant issue with electricity outages, particularly at night.

For a rural woman, the day does not end when the sun goes down. However, frequent power cuts leave them with no choice but to halt productive activities.

  • Livelihood: Sewing, weaving, or other handicraft work cannot continue past sunset.

  • Education: Children cannot study effectively in the dark, perpetuating the gap in education.

  • Safety: Darkness increases vulnerability and limits mobility within the village.

4. Vulnerability to Nature’s Fury

The survey also highlighted the fragility of their economic existence in the face of natural disasters. Whether it is unseasonal rains, floods, or droughts, nature has struck these households hard. With no financial safety net or insurance, a single natural calamity wipes out years of progress, pushing families deeper into debt and insecurity.

The Way Forward

This survey is not the end of our work; it is the roadmap for our future.
The data from these 1,000 women has made GJKS’s mission clearer than ever. We now know that simple skills training is not enough. We need a holistic approach that includes:

  • Market Linkages: Creating local collection centers so women don’t have to travel all day.

  • Solar Solutions: introducing solar lamps and energy solutions to conquer the darkness.

  • Disaster Resilience: Teaching sustainable farming and creating community emergency funds.

We have heard the voices of these 1,000 women. Now, it is time to act.