Financial Literacy in Action: Empowering Women of Fatehpur Village

After a strong beginning on Day 1, ISCI Foundation continued its Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) journey with Day 2 at Fatehpur village, Antri district. Conducted with the same commitment and purpose, the camp aimed to move beyond awareness and focus on practical financial understanding, especially for women who manage household finances yet often remain excluded from formal financial knowledge.

The camp was held in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank (MPGB), reinforcing a shared mission of building financially empowered rural communities.

Participation Reflecting the Need for Awareness

The Day 2 camp saw the presence of 32 villagers, with a majority being women participants. Their strong turnout highlighted an important reality—women are eager to learn, ask questions, and take control of their financial lives when given the right platform and guidance. Many women attended the session with notebooks, carefully listening and actively engaging, signaling how deeply relevant this knowledge was to their everyday lives.

The Team Guiding the Change

The session was facilitated by ISCI Foundation volunteers Kartik, Raj, Aditya, and Muskan, who played a crucial role in maintaining an open, friendly, and interactive environment. The presence of ISCI Foundation Director Mohit Modi added vision and direction to the camp, ensuring that the discussion remained focused on empowerment rather than just information delivery.

The approach was not lecture-based. Instead, it was conversational—encouraging villagers, especially women, to speak openly about their experiences, challenges, and fears related to money, banks, and digital systems.

The Core Focus: Financial Confidence, Not Just Information

At the heart of Day 2 was a clear focus: financial literacy is not about memorizing schemes—it is about building confidence. The session emphasized helping villagers understand how financial decisions affect their families, their security, and their future. Women were encouraged to see themselves not just as caretakers, but as financial decision-makers within their households.

The team repeatedly reinforced the idea that asking questions at banks, understanding documents, and tracking money are not signs of lack of knowledge, but steps toward empowerment.

Teaching Government Schemes with Real-Life Relevance

Villagers were guided through essential government-backed financial schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Suraksha Yojana (PMJBSY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Instead of listing features, the session focused on why these schemes matter—how a small annual premium can protect a family during emergencies and how pensions ensure dignity in old age.

Women participants showed particular interest in understanding how these schemes could support their children and families, and several asked follow-up questions regarding enrollment and eligibility.

Building Strong Foundations: Savings and Banking Basics

A major portion of the camp was dedicated to basic banking education, as many participants admitted feeling hesitant or confused while visiting banks. Concepts like savings accounts, fixed deposits (FD), recurring deposits (RD), and the importance of consistent saving were explained using simple household examples.

The discussion emphasized that saving is not about large amounts, but about discipline and planning. Women related strongly to this segment, as it aligned with their daily efforts to manage household expenses efficiently.

Digital Awareness with Safety at the Center

Recognizing the increasing use of digital transactions, the session carefully addressed digital payments and banking. Villagers were introduced to safe usage of ATM cards, UPI, and mobile banking, while also being cautioned about potential risks. The focus was on balanced learning—embracing technology without fear, but with awareness.

Special attention was given to ensuring that women participants felt confident and not intimidated by digital tools.

Cyber Fraud Awareness: Protecting Hard-Earned Money

One of the most impactful discussions revolved around cyber fraud awareness. Villagers were informed about common scams such as fake bank calls, OTP frauds, and misleading messages. The team stressed the importance of never sharing personal or banking information and explained immediate steps to take if fraud is suspected.

Participants were clearly informed about the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline Number, which many women noted as critical information they were unaware of earlier. This segment generated active discussion, with participants sharing stories of attempted frauds they had encountered.

Women’s Voices and Community Response

The camp concluded with open interaction, where women participants shared that the session made them feel more confident and informed. Many expressed that this was the first time financial topics were explained in such a simple and respectful manner. The atmosphere reflected trust, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn.

Several women mentioned that they now felt empowered to speak directly with bank officials and guide other family members as well.

Addressing the gathering, Director Mohit Modi emphasized that financial literacy is a tool for long-term empowerment, not temporary awareness. He highlighted that when women understand money, families become stronger and communities more resilient. His words reinforced ISCI Foundation’s belief that true development begins when knowledge reaches those who manage life at the grassroots level.

Why Day 2 Strengthened the Journey

Day 2 at Fatehpur village reinforced the essence of ISCI Foundation’s work—listening, simplifying, and empowering. The strong participation of women validated the need for such focused interventions. The camp was not just about sharing schemes or rules, but about nurturing confidence, safety, and independence.

Continuing the Mission Forward

As the Financial Literacy Camp series moves ahead, Day 2 stands as a powerful reminder that awareness becomes impactful when it speaks directly to people’s lives. With every village visited and every woman empowered, ISCI Foundation moves closer to its mission of building a financially aware, inclusive, and self-reliant India.

EDITED BY : KARTIK