Comparative Analysis of the Economic Status of Women in Rural Assam Before and After Participation in Self-Help Groups

( Vol-8,Issue-1,January - January 2022 )

Author(s): Manidipa Gope

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Page No: 08-12
DOI: 10.22161/ijaems.81.2

Keywords:

Self-Help Groups, Women Empowerment, Economic Status, Rural Women, Economic Growth, Karimganj District

Abstract:

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) work as an excellent tool in India for providing women's economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and development of rural areas. SHGs encourage savings and facilitate credit to support income-generating activities, significantly improving rural women's socio-economic status. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the role of SHGs in economic empowerment of women in Karimganj District of Assam by analyzing the economic status of women in the district pre and post their membership in the SHGs. The study is based on primary data of 250 women SHG members who were selected by a random sampling method. For the purpose of this study, various aspects of economic empowerment, such as income and savings, access to formal credit and repayment capacity, employment, entrepreneurship, asset creation, and participation in household economic affairs, were assessed. The study also assessed the dimensions of economic empowerment and the impact of SHG participation in the area of economic empowerment. The outcomes of this study indicated that the participation of women in SHGs has led to a considerable increase in women's monthly income, savings, financial independence, utilization of loans, self-confidence, and entrepreneurship. It also indicated that women's financial access through SHGs has led to improved financial wellbeing of women and provided them the ability to make decisions. Even with their challenges, the economic situation of rural women has improved through SHGs. Building up financial resources and market connections would enhance economic empowerment of women and develop the rural areas.

Received: 25 Dec 2021; Received in revised form: 19 Jan 2022; Accepted: 25 Jan 2022; Available online: 29 Jan 2022

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