AMFI-WB Initiatives by Equifax CSR support - 2024-25 & 2025-26 - “A Joint Partnership Initiatives

Описание: “A Joint Partnership Initiative Between Equifax and AMFI-WB Through Equifax CSR Support”. A joint partnership initiative between Equifax and AMFI-WB, with one common vision — to empower rural women through financial awareness, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. AMFI-WB — the Association of Microfinance Institutions, West Bengal — has long been working towards strengthening the microfinance ecosystem across the state. Through district coordination activities, stakeholder meetings, financial awareness drives, press interactions, industry summits, and capacity-building program, AMFI-WB has continuously connected institutions, borrowers, and communities to create a more responsible and inclusive financial environment. With the valuable CSR support of Equifax, this vision expanded further during the financial years 2024–2025 and 2025–2026. Across districts like Birbhum, Bankura, Nadia, Howrah, Dakshin Dinajpur, and South 24 Parganas, hundreds of women stepped into the world of financial independence. But many still faced challenges — managing loans responsibly. This initiative was designed to change that. During the financial year 2024–2025, the journey began with structured learning, awareness, and skill development. A total of three Central Training Programmes were organized for Microfinance Institution staff members and borrowers, bringing both service providers and beneficiaries onto one common platform. These sessions strengthened understanding of responsible lending, disciplined repayment behaviour, and financial planning. Alongside this, Borrowers’ Sensitization Programmes were conducted extensively during 2025–2026, helping rural borrowers understand the importance of financial literacy, credit discipline, savings habits, and responsible borrowing practices. Importantly, all these programmes were facilitated with the active participation and support of AMFI-WB member MFIs and Banks. The borrower beneficiaries under this project were connected through member MFIs and banking institutions, making the initiative more inclusive, organized, and community-driven. At the same time,
a major focus was placed on women’s entrepreneurship development.
A total of 10 specialized training programmes were conducted across different districts.
In South 24 Parganas,
women received training in tailoring, jute work, and phenyl making.
In Birbhum, the training focused on tailoring and batik craft. In Bankura,
participants explored beautician services, tailoring, and sabai grass product development. In Howrah, women received training in jori work. And in Dakshin Dinajpur, participants developed tailoring skills for self-employment opportunities. These were not just training sessions — they were opportunities for women to learn, earn, and grow with confidence.
Women gradually began to see themselves not only as borrowers,
but also as entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and decision-makers within their families and communities. To support this growing momentum, the infrastructure of the AMFI-WB Training Centre was also strengthened.
The residential training facility was upgraded with fully air-conditioned accommodation, including the installation of six air-conditioning units in the dormitories and training premises. Today, the Training Centre can comfortably accommodate around 40 delegates, while the Conference Hall can host at least 60 participants for meetings, workshops, and training programmes. This improved learning environment created greater comfort, safety, and accessibility, especially for women participants travelling from remote rural areas. Because empowerment is not only about knowledge —
it is also about creating the right environment where learning and confidence can flourish. As the project moved into 2025–2026, the impact became even more visible. Women started applying what they had learned.
Many began small livelihood activities, improved their household incomes,
and managed their finances with greater responsibility and awareness.
With the continuous efforts of AMFI-WB, the active participation of member MFIs and Banks, and the strong CSR support of Equifax, this initiative created a meaningful ripple effect across communities. So, what did this collaboration achieve?
• Increased financial literacy and awareness
• Improved credit discipline and responsible borrowing
• Growth in women-led livelihood activities
• Better training infrastructure and community participation
• Enhanced confidence, dignity, and self-reliance among rural women
And most importantly —
a transformation in mindset.
From uncertainty to confidence.
From dependence to self-reliance.
From limited opportunities to new possibilities.
This two-year journey is more than a project.
It is a story of empowerment.
A story where awareness became strength,
skills became livelihood,
and opportunity became reality.