This booklet describes the origin of Saptagram, a grassroots organization in Bangladesh and its development into a movement to empower deprived, landless women. The organization was founded in 1976 by a woman history professor, and one of its most original features is a gender-oriented syllabus. The booklet's introduction outlines the aims of the organization, which focuses on making poor rural women socioeconomically self-reliant. The subsequent chapters discuss different aspects of the movement, such as: (1) tackling gender disparities; (2) using the group approach to confront problems; (3) demystifying the lives of women; (4) involving women in economic activities; (5) adopting sericulture (silkworm production) as a comprehensive income-generating project; (6) focusing on preventive health care; (7) designing a female-oriented literacy program; (8) recruiting teachers; (9) including women at all levels of the organization; (10) recruiting suitable field staff; (11) encouraging self-sufficiency; and (12) securing sources of funding. The impact of the movement on women, and the challenges and perspectives for the organization's future are also discussed. In addition, four features are included that describe the basic economic indicators of Bangladesh, examples of social action taken by groups of women, a story used in the adult education course, and a day in the life of a Saptagram member. Contains a 14-item bibliography. (BAC)