Aditi Singh, Chief Strategy Officer, Satin Creditcare Network
Ravi Lalwani: What percentage of your customers are women? What percentage of your overall business comes from women customers? How have both these figures changed over the last few years?
Aditi Singh: Our company’s operations are centered on the Joint Liability Group (JLG) Model, which consists of economically active women borrowers to whom we provide financial support. As a result, nearly 100% of our customers are women and this figure has remained unchanged over the past few years. This model fosters collective responsibility within small groups, promoting disciplined repayment and enhancing financial literacy.
Through this approach, we encourage women from unserved and underserved communities to pursue income-generating activities and enhance their economic potential. By addressing barriers to accessing traditional financial services, the JLG model not only promotes self-reliance but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of their households and communities.
What changes in demand for financial services are seen among women customers in the last 2 years?
Over the past 2 years, there has been a notable increase in demand for financial services among women customers, particularly in rural areas. Factors such as rising income levels, greater consumption of essential goods, and improved digital penetration have driven this growth. Women are increasingly seeking credit for income-generating activities in sectors like agriculture, small businesses, and trading. The JLG model has facilitated this trend by offering accessible credit options tailored to their needs.
What changes in demand for financial services do you expect among women customers in the next 2 years?
Over the next 2 years, we anticipate a continued increase in demand for financial services among women customers, driven by factors such as increased digital adoption, greater financial literacy, and expected growth in agriculture and allied activities. The agriculture sector has been growing at an average annual rate of 4.18% over the last 5 years, providing livelihood support to 42.3% of the population. As more women in rural and underserved areas gain access to smartphones and digital payment platforms, there will be a rise in demand for mobile banking, microloans, and savings products personalized according to their needs. Women will increasingly seek credit for small businesses, agriculture, and renewable energy solutions, focusing on enhancing household productivity and financial independence. Additionally, with growing entrepreneurship, demand for services like insurance, investment products, and financial planning will also rise, supporting their economic aspirations and long-term stability.
Have you created any financial literacy campaigns targeted at women customers? If yes, please share content samples.
Yes, we have actively implemented financial literacy programs through which we motivate women borrowers to make informed financial decisions, encouraging resilience and sustainable development within the communities.
Building on these efforts, over the years, we have conducted numerous skilling and financial literacy workshops tailored to the needs of women in rural communities. These sessions have provided training in vocational skills such as tailoring and beauty salon management, alongside imparting essential financial knowledge to help participants effectively manage their resources and plan for the future.
During the current fiscal year, in collaboration with Sa-Dhan and MFIN, the self-regulatory organizations for microfinance institutions in India, we have organized 48 workshops so far, positively impacting numerous lives. As a responsible organization, we are dedicated to fostering community well-being by balancing business priorities with a strong commitment to social responsibility.
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