Women’s autonomy and ability to take decisions regarding their reproductive health are closely associated with their economic freedom. However, livelihood programmes such as the Self-Help Group movement rarely touch upon family planning as part of their strategy.
Population Foundation of India’s advocacy with the State Health Society Bihar (SHSB) led to the delivery of family planning messages and referral services through the state-wide network of Self Help Groups (SHGs) with approximately 8 million members under the State Livelihood Department. The National Health Mission (NHM) has approved an additional budget of Rs. 240 million in Bihar’s State Health Budget for FY 2019-2020 to fund this initiative.
