Sakhi Niwas hostels provide rooms, meals, and security for working women and trainees, with day-care where approved.
In Shahdol, 44.1% of working-age women are in the labour force, close to the typical district. A Working Women's Hostel helps women take up jobs away from home by giving them safe, affordable housing so distance is not a barrier.
83% of registered enterprises are in services while 17% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. Only 59% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Shahdol, which ranks 30 of 55 in Madhya Pradesh for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 43.1 out of 100. It runs ahead of the national picture on women taking part in all major household decisions at 91.5%. On women with a bank account at 78.1%, it sits close to the national mark.