The JEEVIKA Scheme is an initiative by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS) aimed at promoting rural livelihoods and economic self-sufficiency, especially for women in Bihar. Established in 2006 with support from the World Bank, the program primarily focuses on empowering women through various means, including economic support, skill development, and access to financial resources. The goal is to uplift rural women from poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in rural Bihar.

Objectives of the JEEVIKA Scheme

1. Economic Empowerment of Women:
   • JEEVIKA aims to increase the income-generating opportunities for rural women through self-help groups (SHGs) and providing access to finance, skill development, and entrepreneurship training.
2. Financial Inclusion:
   • The scheme promotes financial literacy and inclusion, facilitating women’s access to savings, credit, and insurance services. Women are encouraged to manage their finances effectively through SHGs, which in turn boosts their financial independence.
3. Social Empowerment:
   • It focuses on social empowerment by enhancing women’s decision-making power within households and communities, thus enabling them to become leaders and active participants in the social and political life of their communities.
4. Improvement in Rural Livelihoods:
   • By providing access to credit and facilitating community-based economic activities, the scheme works towards improving the livelihoods of rural families, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and small-scale industries.
5. Promotion of Gender Equality:
   • JEEVIKA works to bridge the gender gap by involving women in leadership roles and decision-making processes, both within their families and communities.

Role of the JEEVIKA Scheme in Women Empowerment in Bihar

The JEEVIKA Scheme has had a significant impact on women’s empowerment in Bihar. The program’s design and execution have helped women in rural areas to gain autonomy, both economically and socially. Below are the major contributions of JEEVIKA to women’s empowerment:

1. Economic Empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Formation of SHGs: One of the core features of JEEVIKA is the creation of self-help groups (SHGs), which consist mainly of rural women. These groups help women pool their savings, access micro-loans, and start small businesses or engage in income-generating activities.
• Micro-Credit Access: SHGs enable women to access micro-credit, which they can use for personal or community-driven development projects. This financial access has helped women become more economically self-reliant.

Example: In Madhubani District, women involved in SHGs were able to start small businesses such as poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, and tailoring, thereby contributing to their families’ income and improving their socio-economic statusl Empowerment**

• Decision-making Power: JEEVIKA has empowered women by providing them with a platform to participate in community decision-making. Many women who were once confined to household roles now have a say in local governance and community matters.
• Leadership Roles: The scheme has created many female leaders who run SHGs and have a significant influence in their communities. This visibility and influence have broken traditional gender barriers in rural Bihar.

Example: In some areas, SHG leaders have become active members of local panchayats (village councils) and have played crucial roles in advocating for women’s rights and addressing local issues like education, healthcare, and sanitation.

3. Access to Training and Capacity Building

• The JEEVIKA scheme provides women with the necessary skills training to enhance their capabilities and engage in diverse activities such as handicraft making, animal husbandry, agriculture, and small business development.
• Through partnerships with various institutions, JEEVIKA offers vocational training, financial management courses, and leadership development programs.

Example: Women in rural Bihar who were trained under JEEVIKA have launched successful ventures in handicrafts like Madhubani painting, sari weaving, and lacquerware. This has not only enhanced their income but also preserved traditional art forms.

4. Improved Health and Education Outcomes

• As women gain economic independence, they also have greater control over household resources, leading to better health and educational outcomes for their families.
• Health awareness programs under JEEVIKA have led to better maternal and child health in rural areas. Additionally, women are now more likely to send their children, especially girls, to school.

Example: In regions where JEEVIKA has been active, there has been an increase in the female literacy rate, and more women are opting for family planning methods to manage reproductive health.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Impact of JEEVIKA on Women Empowerment

JEEVIKA has undoubtedly played a crucial role in empowering women in Bihar by providing them with the tools to achieve economic, social, and political empowerment. The establishment of SHGs has helped women gain financial independence, leadership roles, and active participation in community development.

While the scheme has seen notable successes, challenges remain. These include limited reach in some remote areas, the need for further capacity building, and overcoming resistance to women’s empowerment in deeply patriarchal regions. However, in the long term, JEEVIKA holds significant potential for transforming the lives of rural women, contributing not only to their personal empowerment but also to the overall development of Bihar.

In summary, JEEVIKA is a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, and its continued growth and expansion can make a transformative impact on the socio-economic fabric of rural Bihar.