With the generous support of the Sharing Fund Committee Members, Minister for Mission & Social Justice, The Riverside Church, USA, the Health Welfare Association successfully implemented the project “Poverty Alleviation among the Most Vulnerable Women through Goats Fostering Programme” in 2 remote villages of Kadiri Taluk, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh.

Anantapur is one of the most underdeveloped districts in the state, where poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion—particularly among Dalit communities—remain severe. The one-year programme focused on empowering 40 marginalized Dalit women by providing them with goats as a sustainable livelihood asset. Prior to the intervention, most beneficiaries depended on irregular seasonal labour and had limited income security. Through goat rearing, the women gained a steady source of income, improved food security, and enhanced economic independence. The programme also strengthened their confidence, dignity, and decision-making capacity within their families.

Overall, the project directly benefited 40 women and indirectly improved the living conditions of approximately 225 family members, contributing meaningfully to long-term poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.