DBS Foundation commits Rs 65.56 Cr to The/Nudge Institute for empowering rural women
The Economic Inclusion Programme empowers women from remote, disadvantaged rural communities to drive long-term well-being for their families.
DBS Foundation has partnered with The/Nudge Institute and committed SGD 9.98 million (rs 65.56 crore) over a four-year period as part of the Economic Inclusion Programme. The programme aims to provide alternative, dignified, comprehensive, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for underserved households.
According to a press release, this partnership will support The/Nudge Institute in enabling the economic inclusion of approximately 85,000 low-income households in Gujarat and Jharkhand, in line with its goal of supporting greater financial stability.
The Economic Inclusion Programme supports women from remote and disadvantaged rural communities in building long-term stability and improving their families' well-being. Targeting those with annual incomes below SGD 400, no assets or savings, and limited access to credit, the programme uses an evidence-based graduation approach. It offers a structured intervention that includes consumption support, livelihood grants, and a 150-week skill-building journey. The initiative tackles core challenges such as unstable income, poor nutrition, lack of access to formal financial systems, and barriers created by gender-based exclusion.
The programme supports women through household-level livelihood planning, helping them establish at least two reliable sources of income. Skill development is offered across a range of sectors, including agriculture (vegetable cultivation, kitchen gardening), livestock-based activities (dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry farming), and micro-enterprises (tailoring, running provision stores, and traditional crafts such as hand-weaving, bamboo and cane work, and pottery).
Participants are also connected to formal support systems, including microfinance services and government welfare schemes, the press release added.
A core component of the programme is financial and digital literacy that equips participants with the skills to use banking services, develop regular saving habits, recognise and avoid scams, and become comfortable with digital technologies.
The initiative also supports households in managing daily stress, improving nutrition, and building self-confidence through community-driven interventions. Over time, it aims to help families diversify income sources, boost earnings and savings, secure at least two nutritious meals per day, and access social welfare schemes.
Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, said, “We are committed to uplifting vulnerable communities and helping them move towards brighter, more sustainable futures. Beyond meeting essential needs, this programme by The/Nudge Institute will also focus on closing critical gaps such as financial literacy, thereby empowering beneficiaries to build resilience and long-term stability.”
Atul Satija, CEO and Founder, The/Nudge Institute, added, “By empowering underserved communities, especially women in rural areas, the goal is to create a replicable economic mobility model. This programme is a step towards achieving a more inclusive society, where opportunity is accessible to all.”
Edited by Kanishk Singh