Impact of Self-Help Groups on Women`s Empowerment: An Explorative Study

Abstract

The development of a nation is contingent upon the empowerment of its women. Data from multiple nations suggests that providing microcredit to Self-Help Group (SHG) members can enhance the empowerment of rural women. The primary aim of the study is to assess the impact of Self-Help Groups on rural women in Assam. The objective of this research was to assess the extent to which Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Assam facilitate women`s economic empowerment. The study`s primary data was derived from interviews with Self-Help Group beneficiaries in the Jorhat District of Assam. A total of 100 samples were collected from two blocks in the Jorhat district namely Titabor block and Kaliapani block. The survey indicates that the predominant age group of respondents is between 31 and 45 years old. Upon joining SHGs, participants partook in diverse income-generating endeavors. The results indicated a positive change in economic empowerment indicators, including income, employment, and savings, subsequent to SHG membership. The estimated value of the univariate general linear model for the economic indicators was significant. In comparison to the pre-SHG scenario, the majority of respondents experienced increases in income, employment days, and savings in the post-SHG scenario. Consequently, the study concluded that Self-Help Groups were vital for the empowerment of rural women in the examined region. We also gather data from secondary sources, including government websites, articles, books, journals, the Assam Economic Survey, and the Assam Statistical Handbook.