Mahila Samman: A Step Towards Financial Independence

The Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in partnership with The Association for Sustainable Community Development (ASSCOD), successfully concluded the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Distribution Programme. This landmark event celebrated the financial transformation of tribal women from 15 villages in the Chengalpattu district.

The initiative brought together over 200 women participants, including 30 who were awarded savings certificates for their timely loan repayments and leadership in taking charge of their financial futures. These women were recognized for demonstrating leadership in financial discipline and health awareness, and their repaid loans were converted into fixed deposits via India Post, giving them long-term savings and exposure to formal banking.

Sunanda Rangarajan, OFSI’s CEO, emphasized the transformative power of meaningful investment in communities, saying, “This milestone shows what’s possible when a corporate partner commits deeply to a grassroots NGO and stays the course with the community.”

ASSCOD’s Executive Director, Mr. K Loganathan, added, “When a tribal woman learns to save, lead, and care for her community, she becomes a pillar of strength. Empowering these women is not just social work, it’s nation-building.”

The initiative provided interest-free microloans to 161 women from marginalized communities to support traditional livelihoods like goat and cow rearing. Paired with financial literacy and life skills training, the program empowered them to build and manage sustainable incomes. The momentum is now sparking a ripple effect, with tribal women emerging as role models in financial discipline, health awareness, and community change.