Yuvathi groups were formed as part of the watershed development interventions in project villages with the aim of bringing together adolescent girls to form a group. These groups help the women gain self confidence and economic independence; make group decisions; and work for the development of their village.
Before the project intervention, the women, young women in particular, were conservative and highly superstitious. They did not venture outside to participate in group meetings or other public meetings at the village level. They confined themselves to household activities and farm work because they believed that meetings were meant only for the male members of the family.
There has been a visible change in the attitude of the Yuvathi members. They have developed self confidence and the courage to talk to people. They are actively involved in all community activities. Parents of the adolescents are happy with the positive change in their children.
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The Yuvathi members of these groups were orientated on the objective of forming such groups. Trainings were organised for the members on how meetings should be conducted and how one should participate in them. The members were also guided on their roles and responsibilities. Thrift activity was promoted in the groups and the members started saving the money they got from their parents on a regular basis. They also started borrowing small amounts from the group savings to meet domestic needs.
While groups in Idlapur, Nandapur, and Garjanal opened their own bank accounts to carry out thrift activities, other groups placed their savings in the bank accounts of respective Gram Samsthas.
The fortnightly meetings became a platform for Yuvathi members to share their problems and to seek solutions or remedies from group members. Apart from sharing personal concerns, members also participated in developmental activities in the village. They participated in shramadhans (voluntary labour) organised by the communities, their cultural programmes and annual fairs. Yuvathi members have now developed alternative skills like sewing and knitting. Several members from Navalahalli, Nandapur, Jumlapur and Ainapur villages used their own savings amount to buy sewing machines from their Community Economic Assets Committee, and Gram Samsthas.
