1. GROUP 4 Kakalisao Gram

2. Observations

3. Group 4 – Kakalisao Gram HISAL – Concern Project 3 partners (FIVDB) Unnayn Mohila Federation Union: Kakailsao Sub-District: Ajmiriganj District: Hobiganj CBO member: 1050 Present CBO: 999 Self Help Groups under CBO: 74 Management Committee: 11 Registration of CBO: Aug 2008 Registration from Dept’ Womens Affairs: 2008 Project endL: 2011

4. Fund Disbursement Total Loan Received by PKSF to CBO: BDT 2.8m Total Current Revolving Fund: BDT 3.5m Maximum loan amount per member: >8000tk Loan Received: 772 Loans disbursed Repayment Interest = 9% Interest 4% PKSF, 5%CBO Interest is not distributed to members but retained by CBO 74 Self Help Groups deposited 1.05m BDT in savings

5. Observations continued… Successful disbursement of funds to self help groups at low rate of interest – CBO is functional to some extent Reporting system and documentation is sound Strong active, all female executive committee Constitution and terms of reference developed 2 paid employees CBO is represented in Local Gov’ Groups

6. Sustainability

7. Issues of Sustainability Women feel they need a further 5 years of support they want help and reward They can no longer continue on a volunteer basis and feel they need at least 5 paid positions. The women see a dilemma to continue as they have their own problems and face resistance from husbands and local Immam Their husbands say they bring no reward to the home so why would they spend so much time involved with the CBO. Some even incurr expense (travel etc) The CBO only functions in a financial capacity, the women feel no responsibility for the other intended aspects of CBO as outlined in constitution: social (dowry, early marriage, sanitation, safety nets) Many of the problems became more acute when concern withdrew support Households had very few assets – asset transfer should be included

8. Recommendations Cap the maximum financial capacity of the CBO – growing funds become more difficult to manage – need for capacity building One possibility – slightly increase interest rates to generate more profit to provide small stipend for executive committee. BUT this would detract from original purpose of CBO to offer low interest loans. All woman involvement in Exec. Committee is extreme and generates resistance from men. Change composition of committee to include some men but still female dominant From 8 members only 1 was smiling – we want to see more smiles Health shocks, nutrition and dowry remain a huge problem to be focussed on – increase involvement in social activities (use profits) Manageable size of CBOs should be considered in future