DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2017.v05i10.028

Pages: 1510-1519

The SHGs have been recognized in India as well as in many developing countries as an effective tool to empower the rural women folk. This study attempts to explore the impact of SHG membership status on women empowerment of the program participants. Experiences suggest that participation in SHGs not only benefits women economically but also it has some others indirect effects which help them become more empowered. It helps them solve their common problem collectively. Participation gives them more self-esteem, self-confidence and more decision making ability. The study is based on Birnbaum, one of the backward districts of West Bengal. Primary data has been collected from the field survey through the structured questionnaire. The impact has been measured by comparing the income of the Self Help Group (SHGs) members with the non-SHG members. The major finding of the study indicates that women SHG members have the higher level of empowerment compared to that of non-SHG members. The study also exhibits that duration of participation, employment, training, access to formal credit, family support do have also significant impact on women empowerment.