SELF-HELP GROUP PARTICIPATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Abstract

The SHG Movement in India is a development programme of organising the poor people and the marginalized to come together to solve their individual problems. Indian Government percepts the goal of economic fortification through implementation of Self-Help Movement programmes and these programmes by improving women’s ability to earn an income for their livelihood and thereby increasing well-being for women and their families, have the potential to initiate a series of ‘virtuous spirals’ by enlightening economical, social and political empowerment and thereby humanizing women with overall empowerment. Hence, a rationale analysis is made in this study to find whether social, economic and personality impact has led to empowerment of women through their participation in Self-Help movement is analysed on 500 Self-Help Groups and 1500 Self-Help Group members engaged in economic activities for a minimum of 5 years.