< Vol 1.2 of People We Love : Changemakers Celebrated>
One of the biggest challenges facing women in rural India was that they weren’t allowed access to bank accounts.
That meant millions of capable, hard-working women struggled to run businesses because they couldn’t keep their finances secure or transact easily or get a loan.
Then Chetna Gala Shinha came along and changed everything.
She founded the Mann Deshi Mahila Sahkari Bank which is a big name for a bank with big ideals.
More than half a million Indian women have benefited from the bank’s services.
She provides banking services to Indian female entrepreneurs including customized access to credit which arrives in a timely and affordable manner.
It has now loaned out over $50 million.
For her services to women’s empowerment in 2017, she was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honor.
If you want to help those in desperate circumstances, you don’t have to start your own bank – you could switch to sustainable fashion.
So, why not check out these awesome ethical pajamas? Or opt for an ethical underwear brand?