Implemented by: Azad Foundation Society
Supported by: NABARD
Coverage: Aligarh • Kasganj • Hathras • Etah
Duration: 3-Day Exhibition

THE INITIATIVE

Sharad Mela was a women-led livelihood and market-linkage initiative that brought together Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from four districts of Aligarh Mandal and provided them a platform in Aligarh city to showcase, promote and sell their products.

The initiative went beyond a traditional exhibition by connecting women with urban markets, digital opportunities and banking/credit linkages.

WHAT WOMEN BROUGHT TO THE MARKET

SHG products included:

Traditional deity dresses • Desi Ghee & food products • Handmade brooms • Handicrafts • Textiles • Stitching & embroidery • Bags & utility products • Home décor • Festive & handmade products

OUR IMPACT MODEL

SKILL → PRODUCT → MARKET → DIGITAL ACCESS → FINANCE → ENTERPRISE

Women received opportunities to:

* Showcase and sell their products directly to customers.
* Understand market demand and customer preferences.
* Explore digital market linkages.
* Access banking and credit/loan opportunities.
* Build confidence as women entrepreneurs.

KEY OUTPUTS

4 Districts Connected
Aligarh | Kasganj | Hathras | Etah

3-Day Urban Exhibition
A dedicated market platform for participating SHGs.

Multiple Product Categories
Traditional, food, handicraft, textile and household products.

Market Linkage
Direct customer exposure and sales opportunities.

Digital Linkage
Exposure to wider online market opportunities.

Financial Linkage
Facilitation towards banking and credit opportunities.

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT & RECOGNITION

The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Indra Vikram Singh, IAS, District Magistrate, Aligarh, in the presence of Shri Ankit Khandelwal, CDO, Aligarh and Shri Nitin Kumar, DDM, NABARD.

The closing ceremony was graced by Dr. Babbu Sarang, District & Sessions Judge, Aligarh, along with ADJ Shri Manoj Kumar, Shri Raghuvendra Mani and Shri Dinesh Nagar.

WHY IT MATTERS

Sharad Mela created a bridge between rural women producers and urban markets.

It transformed:

“Women who make products”

into

“Women who can build enterprises.”

The initiative demonstrated that when women receive market access + digital exposure + financial opportunities, their skills can become sustainable sources of livelihood.u