Housing and Toilet Provision for Women Self-Help Group Members of IVDP

IVDP is a non-profit based in Tamil Nadu, India, supporting poor rural and urban communities since 1979. Its focus is on empowering women through self-help groups (SHGs), where 12–20 women save money together and access loans for essentials like housing, toilets, education, and health.
Over 6,700 SHGs now include around 120,000 women. These groups have saved more than $27.7 million and accessed $265 million) in loans. Women are trained in financial and leadership skills, gaining confidence and a stronger role in their communities.
So far, SHG members have built nearly 25,000 homes and 17,000 toilets. Most homes are made from local brick and cement and cost between $1,074–$4,294). Toilets cost $107–$215. Members use a mix of savings, bank loans, and IVDP credit to cover costs, usually borrowing about 60% and paying the rest themselves. Labour is often provided by families.
IVDP also runs hygiene and sanitation awareness campaigns, trains masons in low-cost construction, and supports children’s education and IT skills. These efforts have improved health—94% of SHG members report fewer water- or sanitation-related illnesses—and reduced reliance on men for income.
The project is financially sustainable, with members repaying loans and continuing to save. Local banks now offer favourable loans due to high repayment rates. IVDP’s success has influenced government policy and inspired others to adopt similar models across India and beyond.
By helping women save, access credit, and build better homes and toilets, IVDP has improved health, dignity, and economic independence for thousands of families—proving that grassroots leadership can drive real, lasting change.