Self-help groups in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, self-help efforts are seen mainly in solving the economic problems of the poor population. The revolutionary success of Grameen Bank in operating microcredit programme for the poor by organising them into small groups based on the philosophy of self-help, has gained a worldwide recognition. This type of groups came into fruition with the help of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) where mutual trust among the members is fundamental. Non-government development organisations see these groups as a medium for implementing different social development programmes. In the group environment, poor village women mainly are given training for self-employment and income generation, education, health and other services. Thus the women become empowered through collective identity and solidarity. The government itself of Bangladesh is promoting the efforts of MFIs and Non-government Organisations (NGOs) for increased interventions where self-help is considered as a key strategy. The power of self-help can play an important role in the ultimate elimination of poverty of millions of poor people.