Women empowerment is the flagship program of YPS. At Jalihal YPS’s first initiative was formation of Self Help Group. There are more than 300 SHGs in 22 villages. After the formation and imparting training these SHGs have become independent . These groups does banking on their own and keeps regular accounts etc. After strengthening these groups YPS gives various responsibilities to these groups. These groups helps in selecting right beneficiaries for YPS programs like 1 Million tree plantation program, Rural Housing, Health projects, E sakhi etc. These women helps in effective implementation all YPS projects.   

YPS’s women empowerment program starts from their schooling age.  With many support programs like giving bicycles to stop school dropout , providing free hostel facility and supporting girls  unconditionally to complete their education at least till graduation level.  Now girls are completing their education before their marriage.

However there are marginally educated / uneducated windows, deserted women in Jalihal area who needs support to live and educate their children.  YPS supports such women by training them in the skills they like and provide them support to earn to live a decent life.  During year 2006-07 total 180 women were trained in stitching skills and were given sewing machines to start cottage stitching units. 

During 2008-11 total 350 women have been trained in goat farming and given units of  5 she + 1 he goats by which they earned enough to live decent life and educate their children.  Women are now owning improved cross breed of Sirohi- Usmanabadi variety of goats which grow faster and gives more income to women.

Total 350 more women from poor and needy families have been given chicken unit of 45 improve breed along with specious cage and feed supplements during 2014-17. By developing the chicken rearing enterprises participant women are getting additional income by selling eggs. Eggs available at home also improved nutritional level of the families.  To supply locally adopted , fast growing breed of chicken to participating women YPS is running chicken rearing unit at Jalihal. From this unit women gets strong and fully vaccinated improved variety of chicken.

The E-Sakhi program by Yerala Projects Society (YPS) is an initiative aimed at empowering rural women in Jalihal, Maharashtra. This program tackles transportation challenges in remote areas by providing e-bikes to women, allowing them to offer pick-up and drop services to others in need. YPS has identified 26 spots across 22 villages where women previously had to walk 2 to 5 kilometers to reach their homes due to a lack of transportation facilities. At these locations, YPS has installed boards displaying the mobile numbers of Sakhis (YPS’s lady volunteers) who have been provided e-bikes (scooters) by YPS.

Currently, pick-up and drop services are operational at 16 of these spots, with plans to provide more e-bikes by the end of 2025 to cover all 26 locations.

Through this thoughtful initiative, women gain mobility, economic independence, and a sense of empowerment. Additionally, the program fosters community awareness by making E-Sakhi riders’ contact information easily accessible, ensuring the service is available to all women. It’s a meaningful step towards enhancing the lives of rural women and promoting self-reliance.

In 2012, Yerala Projects Society (YPS) launched an electronic unit to provide employment opportunities for women living with HIV/AIDS. A unique company was established, with a commercial front end and a socially-driven back end. This initiative focused on training women in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly and testing work, equipping them with valuable technical skills.

In its initial years, the company manufactured various products, including electronic ballasts, solar home lighting and street lighting systems, domestic mixers, and FM radios. However, PCB assembly and testing have remained its core business activity.

Through this program, over 300 women and more than 200 students have received training in PCB assembly, and 26 women have secured jobs within the company. This enterprise has grown into a self-sustaining and sustainable model, promoted by YPS to support women in need. In particular, the initiative provides a safe and skilled employment environment for women with HIV/AIDS and those facing domestic violence.

This remarkable effort not only fosters economic independence but also promotes a sense of dignity and empowerment for women from vulnerable backgrounds.

Building on the impactful initiatives by Yerala Projects Society (YPS), future projects in women empowerment could focus on expanding opportunities and addressing emerging challenges. Here are some potential directions:

1. Digital Literacy and Technology Training:
   • Establish programs to train women in digital skills, coding, and IT-related fields, enabling them to participate in the growing digital economy.
   • Provide access to online platforms for remote work, e-commerce, and digital marketing, empowering women to start their own businesses.
2. Green Energy and Sustainability:
   • Launch initiatives to train women in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panel installation and maintenance, creating employment opportunities in the green energy sector.
   • Promote eco-friendly enterprises, such as organic farming, waste management, and sustainable product manufacturing.
3. Healthcare and Wellness:
   • Develop programs to train women as community health workers, focusing on maternal and child health, mental health, and preventive care.
   • Establish wellness centers run by women, offering services like yoga, counseling, and nutrition advice.
4. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:
   • Expand skill development programs to include diverse fields like handicrafts, food processing, and textile design.
   • Provide microfinance and mentorship support to women entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses.
5. Support for Vulnerable Groups:
   • Create safe spaces and support networks for women facing domestic violence, trafficking, or other forms of abuse.
   • Offer specialized training and employment opportunities for women with disabilities or those from marginalized communities.
6. Education and Leadership:
   • Promote education for girls and women through scholarships, mentorship programs, and community awareness campaigns.
   • Encourage women to take on leadership roles in local governance, businesses, and social organizations.
7. Climate Resilience and Adaptation:
   • Train women in climate-resilient agriculture and water conservation techniques, empowering them to lead in environmental sustainability.
   • Support women-led initiatives in disaster preparedness and recovery, ensuring their active participation in community resilience efforts.