Growth of Self-Help Groups in India
Self Help Group is a method of organizing the poor people and the marginalized to come together to solve their individual problems. The SHG method is used by the government, NGOs and others worldwide. Self Help Group is an affinity group with homogeneity of economic conditions of the members.
A remarkable step in this direction was the commitment made by the IX plan (1997 – 2002) document towards ‘empowering women as the agents of social change and development’. As one of the various strategies, SHGs were considered as the ‘change agents’ to begin the process of empowering women.
After the collapse of cooperative societies, Self-Help Groups emerged as a viable alternative. SHGs, for sure, as found by NABARD were the effective means to provide the banking service to unbendable people. They address the twin problems at the same time, namely banking the unbendable and more importantly empowerment of women which is a means to other ends.
Author(s) Details:
Janaki Thenneti
Aurora’s PG College, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Empowerment of Rural Women through Utilization of Self-Help Groups
Empowerment of Rural Women through SHGs:
- SHGs have emerged as a powerful instrument for empowering poor rural women both socially and economically. These groups provide a platform for women to come together, share experiences, and support each other.
- The main function of SHGs is to promote financial inclusion and enhance the well-being of women in rural areas. By pooling their savings, SHG members can access low-interest loans without collateral, which helps meet emergency needs and invest in income-generating activities [1].
- Research studies have extensively explored the impact of SHGs on women’s empowerment. Let’s take a closer look at some findings:
Impact of SHGs on Empowerment:
- Economic Empowerment: SHGs contribute significantly to economic empowerment. Women involved in SHGs engage in entrepreneurial activities, leading to increased income, savings, and asset formation. These financial gains enhance their economic independence and decision-making power [2].
- Social Empowerment: SHGs also play a crucial role in social empowerment. Women gain confidence, voice, and social support through group interactions. They participate in community activities, access information, and challenge traditional norms. Social empowerment leads to improved self-esteem and a sense of belonging [2].
- Political Empowerment: While SHGs primarily focus on economic and social aspects, they indirectly impact political empowerment. As women become more active in SHGs, they develop leadership skills and engage in local governance. Their participation in decision-making processes increases, contributing to overall empowerment [2].
- Psychological Empowerment: SHGs positively influence women’s psychological well-being. By sharing experiences and coping strategies, women build resilience and reduce feelings of isolation. This emotional support enhances their overall quality of life [2].
Research Studies:
- “Exploring the Impact of Self-Help Groups on Empowering Rural Women”:
- This study used structural equation modeling to predict rural women’s empowerment resulting from SHG involvement. It found significant effects on economic, social, political, and psychological empowerment. SHG membership strongly influenced economic and social empowerment [2].
- “Empowerment of Women in Rural India through SHGs”:
- Another study emphasized SHGs as tools for economic empowerment. It highlighted the positive impact on women’s financial inclusion and livelihoods [3].
- “Empowerment of Women through Self-help Groups in India”:
- A comprehensive review of literature analyzed SHGs’ role in socio-economic empowerment of rural women. It emphasized the need for awareness programs to encourage more women to join SHGs [1].
References
- Empowerment of Women through Self-help Groups in India: A Review of Literature
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2209277.pdf - Basak, D., Chowdhury, I.R. Exploring the Impact of Self-Help Groups on Empowering Rural Women: an Examination of the Moderating Role of Self-Help Group Membership Using Structural Equation Modeling. Glob Soc Welf 10, 299–311 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40609-023-00308-4
- Succena, S. A. (2016). Empowerment of Women in Rural India through SHGs—A Step towards financial inclusion. International Journal of Trade, Economics and Finance, 7(4), 153-156.
- Yadav, V., & Singh, H. C. (2022). A study on socio-economic profile of rural women through self help groups (SHGs) in Lucknow district (UP). Young, 20(30), 34.
- Women Empowerment through SHGs
https://www.allsubjectjournal.com/assets/archives/2014/vol1issue6/20.1.pdf