LakshMe is a non-profit financial literacy platform aimed at making women financially independent. Launched in 2021 as a corporate-social-responsibility (CSR) initiative of Ahmedabad-based Prudent Group. It was founded by Maitry Shah. The platform’s ethos – summed up by her motto “an educated woman is a powerful ally” – is to equip women with the knowledge, confidence, and financial independence.
The Gujarati Inspiration Behind LakshMe
LakshMe was conceived by Maitry Shah. While working in the sales team at Prudent Group, Maitry Shah noticed that women felt uneasy discussing financial matters, a realization that would later shape the concept of LakshMe. As she recalls “Being a financially independent woman myself, I strongly believed and will always believe that women should start integrating themselves in their families’ and their own financial matters. They should willingly take a step towards financial literacy.”
“I feel giving back to society is our responsibility,” she says. Many of us have the luxury to go beyond the usual and achieve what we want – but many don’t. She took it as a personal responsibility to help women across the globe understand and empower themselves.
This was the mission behind founding LakshMe. Their aim is simply to boost financial literacy, awareness and acumen among women in all strata of the society so that they can become financially independent.
Mission and Vision
Vision – Their belief is simple: an educated woman is a powerful ally. Therefore, with an aim to educate women about finance so that they can shoulder their family’s financial responsibilities with their head held high, LakshMe works on the concept that you will truly never be free until you are financially independent.
Mission – To boost financial literacy, awareness and acumen among women in all strata of the society so that they can become financially independent, as an educated woman is a powerful ally.
Key Programs and Initiatives
LakshMe deploys multiple programs and resources to reach women:
• Buddy For Finance (BFF) Sessions: Personalized, free one-on-one mentoring sessions that help women navigate financial concepts like savings, investing, insurance, and budgeting. As of 2025, LakshMe has conducted over 570 BFF sessions.
• Workshops and Seminars: LakshMe has held 40+ workshops reaching over 5,100 women. These sessions use games, real-life examples, and interactive discussions to make finance engaging and relatable. They cover a wide range of topics – from basic budgeting to insurance, tax and retirement planning.
• Publications and Online Resources: To reinforce learning, LakshMe publishes a variety of self-help materials. Its free “Family Record Book” is a downloadable PDF where a household can log all financial, medical, and personal information in one place. It also maintains an online magazine and website blog on personal finance topics.
• Awareness Campaigns: They publish awareness campaigns and feature stories. Their “SheRose” series highlights inspiring women leaders like scientists, entrepreneurs, and social activists to motivate readers. LakshMe also celebrates events like International Literacy Day by hosting national financial literacy workshops for women professionals.
Impacting Lives, One Woman at a Time
Since 2021, LakshMe has made a measurable impact. Thousands of women – from rural areas to cities – have joined their sessions. At a recent “Jagruti” workshop, over 70 women learned how to budget smartly. The response was full of energy and inspiration. More than 5,400 women have downloaded their Family Record Book from the website. These numbers underline a broader social and economic impact. Over time, this can help women be more financially aware.
Collaborations That Multiply Reach
LakshMe jointly worked with schools, colleges, corporates, and NGOs to go further. They’ve conducted workshops with CAIT and Saksham Center for Livelihood in Ahmedabad. Sessions have also been held at institutes like Ahmedabad University and Nirma University. These workshops help LakshMe adapt their content to different groups.
Media Coverage and Recognition
In March 2023 YourStory ran a profile “making women financially Aatmanirbhar” highlighting LakshMe’s vision. In April 2025, digital news site EBNW published a feature. These and other interviews underline LakshMe’s emerging presence in the women’s empowerment ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Goals, Deeper Impact
Looking Ahead LakshMe continues to expand, both geographically and digitally. The goal is to reach even more women – from students and homemakers to working professionals and retirees – and help them embrace financial independence as a way of life.
As Maitry Shah puts it, “Our aim is to empower women to take control of their finances – because financial independence is the foundation of true freedom.”
A Gujarati Story of Empowerment
LakshMe is more than an initiative. It’s a movement led by a strong, visionary Gujarati entrepreneur. Maitry Shah’s inspiration came from real life – and now it’s changing lives. Through her work, thousands of women are gaining confidence and clarity about money.
This is the kind of Gujarati story that deserves to be celebrated. Stay connected with Gujpreneur for more inspiration and updates from the world of entrepreneurs!
