Self-Help Groups in India–A Catalyst for Women Economic Empowerment and Poverty Eradication

Abstract

Investing in women is a proven way to fight poverty. Women show a higher micro-loan repayment rate and consistently invest more of their earnings in their children and families than men. That is why nearly 70 percent of micro-loans donated through Micro, go to women entrepreneurs. Microfinance programmes like the Self-Help Bank Linkage Programme (SHG) in India have been increasingly hailed for their posi t ive economic impact and the empowerment of women. This is based on the view that, women are more likely to be credit constrained, have restricted access to wage labour market and have limited decision-making and bargaining power within the household. This article argues that true women empowerment takes place when women challenge the existing norms and culture, to effectively improve their well-being. The SHG movement in the state of Rajasthan has set the ground for a major change process which will be led by women and in the process will empower them - not just through the access and control of credit and finances but also by providing them with the space to express themselves, and challenge the socioeconomic pressures that they have been suppressed by. Without overburdening the SHG, theintroduction of the enterprise development process can effectively address livelihood issues as well. In the current scenario, where there are over 200,000 SHGs in the state, a structured and focused programme can make a significant impact on women and through them to the entire family.