Self-Help Groups are an Effective Movement for Social Transformation – Dr. Shashank Kulkarni

Comprehensive Guidance Programme on ‘Joint Ownership Rights’ Organised by Self-Help Groups at Ishwarpur

A public awareness and guidance programme on the theme “Joint Ownership Rights” was organised by Self-Help Groups at Yashodhan Cultural Hall, Ishwarpur. The programme was aimed at creating awareness among women from rural and semi-urban areas about their legal, economic, and social rights.

Renowned agricultural policy expert and social thinker Dr. Shashank Kulkarni was invited as the chief guest and keynote speaker for the programme. At the beginning of the programme, Prashant Mali introduced the theme and highlighted the importance of joint ownership rights in women’s lives.

The programme was organised under the Savitri Lok-Sanchalit Resource Centre, Ankalkhop, functioning under the Maharashtra State Women’s Development Corporation (MAVIM). The initiative received an enthusiastic response from members of various women’s Self-Help Groups from the surrounding areas. The large participation of women reflected the growing awareness and interest in issues related to joint ownership rights.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. Shashank Kulkarni stated that Self-Help Groups are not merely financial institutions; they are an effective and dynamic movement for the social, economic, and psychological empowerment of women. Joint ownership rights do not only provide women with property rights but also enhance their dignity, self-confidence, and participation in family decision-making.

He further added that joint ownership rights strengthen women’s economic security, break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, and bring positive transformation in the rural social structure. He appealed to women to remain aware of their legal rights and to make effective use of government schemes, laws, and policies.

The programme was presided over by newly elected Councillor Ms. Vidya Pawar. In her presidential address, she emphasized that such guidance programmes are essential for enhancing women’s economic self-reliance and active participation in decision-making processes. She also noted that awareness about one’s rights is the need of the hour for women.

The programme was efficiently and thoughtfully anchored by SHG associate Ms. Radhika Mali, who successfully connected the audience with the theme throughout the event.

During the question-and-answer session at the end of the programme, women raised several queries related to joint ownership rights, land rights, inheritance laws, loans, and banking procedures. Dr. Kulkarni responded to all questions in a clear and simple manner, further boosting the confidence of the participants.

At the conclusion of the programme, the participants expressed satisfaction with the guidance provided and expressed the need for more such awareness, legal literacy, and policy-oriented programmes in the future. The organising institution also reaffirmed its commitment to continue initiatives aimed at the holistic development of women in the coming period.