apal thegutenbergSpreading Information; Transforming Lives: The Role of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs)
Empowering women is more than an individual pursuit—it’s a movement that transforms entire communities. When women access healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, they uplift families and plant the seeds for lasting societal change. This principle is at the heart of the Women’s Health and Livelihood Alliance (WOHLA), a mission-driven initiative empowering underserved women to thrive personally and professionally.
In March 2023, USAID and FHM Engage partnered with the Collective Good Foundation (CGF)-Samhita to launch WOHLA in India. The initiative aims to improve women’s access to healthcare services, economic opportunities, and financial literacy, creating a ripple effect of health and financial well-being.
A cornerstone of WOHLA’s impact is its network of women Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). These front-line professionals, working in Common Service Centers (CSCs) supported by MEITY, connect communities to essential services such as government schemes, healthcare, and financial support. By intertwining health education with economic empowerment, VLEs play a pivotal role in transforming lives. Their efforts ensure women have access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, financial independence, and skills training, enabling them to lead healthier, more empowered lives.
For many VLEs, their work represents more than a job, it’s a source of pride and purpose. Their success stories inspire communities and demonstrate the profound impact of women-led initiatives.
Figure 1: Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) at a WOHLA event in Mumbai, joined by Team WOHLA and representatives from USAID.
Here are three remarkable examples of VLEs creating change in peri-urban localities near Mumbai:
Yogita: A Journey of Empowerment and Hope
Yogita, a stationery shop owner and VLE in the Vadala slum area, has spent the past four years championing women’s empowerment. She now leverages WOHLA’s resources to educate women on contraceptives and family planning, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
Despite challenges such as organizing community camps and navigating bureaucratic hurdles, Yogita remains undeterred. Her efforts focus on reaching young women and their peers ranging from age 19-39, a group vulnerable to health complications. For Yogita, the most fulfilling part of her work is hearing how her guidance has positively impacted lives.
She believes, “When the woman of the house is strong, then the house stands strong.” Yogita’s dream is to expand her business while continuing to uplift her community. She adds, “When a woman cares for herself, she can provide not only for herself but for all those around her.”
Priyanka: Championing Women’s Health and Well-being
Priyanka has been a VLE at the Antyodaya Jan Seva Kendra in Kalyan East, Mumbai, for three years. With limited access to government offices in her area, she serves as a vital resource for banking, Aadhar updating, and digital services. Her role has earned her financial independence and community respect.
In addition to these services, Priyanka is dedicated to improving women’s reproductive health. With support from WOHLA materials and job aid, she now provides accurate information about contraceptives and family planning, ensuring women make informed choices. She emphasizes open communication and educates women on self-care, exercise, and healthy living.
Priyanka’s reach extends beyond the CSC. She forms groups in colleges, panchayats, and local neighborhoods to amplify her advocacy. Her greatest reward? Seeing women confidently approach her for advice on health and family planning.
Nasrin: Fostering Economic Security and Impact
Nasrin joined CSC as a VLE a year ago, transitioning from a housewife to an empowered entrepreneur with her husband’s encouragement. Her role has brought her newfound confidence and the ability to contribute financially to her family.
Nasrin’s work now includes spreading awareness about reproductive health and family planning among women, girls, and even men. She uses WOHLA innovative tools like the askNivi app to debunk myths and provide accurate information at Anganwadi centers, community camps, and her own neighborhood.
She recognizes the transformative power of financial independence and reproductive health knowledge, stating, “When women have access to these resources, they not only improve their lives but uplift their families and communities.”
The Transformative Power of VLEs
VLEs like Yogita, Priyanka, and Nasrin exemplify the mission of WOHLA. Their work transcends individual lives, reshaping communities and fostering gender equality. By connecting women to reproductive health resources and economic opportunities, they are driving a movement toward a healthier, more empowered future.
WOHLA’s support enables these women to grow in confidence, achieve financial stability, and inspire those around them. Their stories highlight the strength of women-led entrepreneurship and demonstrate the transformative impact of empowering women with knowledge, resources, and opportunity. Together, VLEs and WOHLA are proving that when women rise, entire communities soar.
