Sushri Jayshree Vyas is a renowned Chartered Accountant and the Managing Director of Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank in Ahmedabad. With over three decades of experience in the banking sector, she has been a pivotal figure in empowering women through financial services and innovative microfinance solutions.

Early Life and Education

Sushri Jayshree Vyas was born and raised in Gujarat, India, in a family that valued education and social responsibility. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she was inspired by her parents’ commitment to community welfare. From a young age, she demonstrated a keen interest in academics, particularly in subjects related to commerce and finance.

Jayshree pursued her higher education in Commerce, where she excelled in her studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, she decided to further her qualifications and became a Chartered Accountant. This rigorous training equipped her with the financial acumen and analytical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the banking sector. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors, igniting her passion for empowering women through financial literacy and access to banking services.

Professional Journey

Sushri Jayshree Vyas began her career in finance and became the Managing Director of Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank in 1986. Under her leadership, the bank grew to serve over 500,000 women, introducing innovative financial products like housing finance schemes for low-income women. She pioneered India’s first financial literacy program in 2001, empowering women with essential financial knowledge.

Vyas has also held key positions, including Managing Trustee of the Indian School of Microfinance for Women and Board Director at Ananya Finance for Inclusive Growth. Her commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion has made her a prominent figure in the microfinance sector.

Leadership at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank

Sushri Jayshree Vyas has been the Managing Director of Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank since 1986, overseeing a transformative journey for the institution that serves over 500,000 women clients. Under her leadership, the bank has launched groundbreaking programs, including the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme and various housing finance initiatives, aimed at empowering women in the informal sector. Vyas has also established savings groups in over 5,000 villages, helping women to save for the first time and access credit facilities, thereby facilitating their economic independence and improving their living conditions. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women economically has significantly contributed to the financial inclusion and upliftment of marginalized communities in Gujarat.

Trailblazer in Financial Literacy

ushri Jayshree Vyas is a pioneer in promoting financial literacy among women in India. In 2001, she introduced the first financial literacy program at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank, aimed at equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively. This innovative initiative has helped thousands of women understand banking products, savings, and investment options, enabling them to make informed financial decisions. By empowering women with financial literacy, Vyas has not only fostered individual economic growth but also contributed to the broader movement of financial inclusion, ensuring that women have a voice in managing their finances and participating actively in the economy.

Key Initiatives and Innovations

Sushri Jayshree Vyas has spearheaded several key initiatives and innovations that have significantly impacted women in the informal sector. Notably, she introduced the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme, the first of its kind in India, which has provided coverage to over 150,000 women. Additionally, she developed various housing finance schemes that have enabled more than 20,000 low-income women to access housing loans. Vyas also played a crucial role in establishing savings groups across 5,000 villages in Gujarat, encouraging women to save and gain access to credit for poverty alleviation. Furthermore, her efforts in launching a financial literacy program and a Micro Pension Scheme for unorganized sector workers exemplify her commitment to fostering economic empowerment and improving the financial well-being of women in her community.

Appointment as Independent Director at BSE

Sushri Jayshree Vyas made history in April 2019 when she was appointed as the first independent woman director on the board of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This appointment came in compliance with the Companies Act of 2013, which mandates that certain companies must include at least one woman director. Her inclusion on the board reflects a significant step towards gender diversity in corporate governance, particularly in the finance and investment sectors. Vyas’s extensive experience as a chartered accountant and her leadership at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank bring valuable insights to the BSE, further enhancing its commitment to inclusive growth and women’s empowerment in the financial landscape.

Contributions to the Microfinance Sector

Sushri Jayshree Vyas has made significant contributions to the microfinance sector through her leadership at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank. She pioneered innovative financial products tailored to meet the needs of women in the informal sector, thereby empowering them economically. Under her guidance, the bank introduced the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme, providing essential coverage to over 150,000 women. Additionally, Vyas developed housing finance schemes that enabled more than 20,000 women to access affordable loans for their homes. Her efforts in organizing savings groups across 5,000 villages have fostered financial literacy and independence among women, making her a key figure in promoting microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment.

Influence on Women’s Empowerment

Sushri Jayshree Vyas has profoundly influenced women’s empowerment through her work at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank. By focusing on the financial needs of women in the informal sector, she has enabled countless individuals to gain financial independence and control over their economic destinies. Her initiatives, such as the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme and various housing finance programs, have provided essential resources to women, allowing them to invest in their futures. Moreover, by establishing savings groups in rural areas, she has fostered a culture of saving and financial literacy, encouraging women to participate actively in the economy. Vyas’s leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for women have not only transformed lives but have also inspired a broader movement towards gender equality in the financial sector.

Awards and Recognition

Numerous awards for contributions to finance and women’s empowerment.
Recognized for establishing the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme.
Honored for launching the first financial literacy program at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank.
Received accolades for leadership in microfinance and community development.
Appointed to key advisory positions, including SEBI’s Investor Protection and Education Fund.
Acknowledged as a trailblazer in empowering women and transforming microfinance in India.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Sushri Jayshree Vyas actively engages in philanthropic efforts aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. She has spearheaded initiatives to enhance financial literacy among women, empowering them with knowledge and resources to improve their economic standing. Through Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank, she has facilitated access to microfinance for thousands of women, enabling them to start businesses and achieve financial independence. Additionally, Vyas collaborates with various NGOs and community organizations to promote women’s rights and education, reinforcing her commitment to social development and community well-being. Her leadership has inspired many to participate in community service and social entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on society.

Legacy and Impact on the Industry

Sushri Jayshree Vyas’s pioneering efforts in microfinance have significantly transformed financial services for women in India.
She established the Integrated Micro Insurance Scheme, benefiting over 150,000 women in the informal sector.
Vyas introduced India’s first financial literacy program at Shree Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank in 2001, enhancing financial awareness among women.
As the first independent woman director on the Bombay Stock Exchange Board, she promotes diversity and gender equality in leadership.
Her initiatives have inspired other institutions to adopt inclusive financial models, empowering women and improving their economic status.

Personal Life and Interests

Sushri Jayshree Vyas is dedicated to women’s empowerment and community development. In her free time, she engages in social initiatives and workshops promoting financial literacy. Passionate about education, she mentors young women in their careers, reflecting her commitment to giving back and fostering a supportive environment for future generations.