1Scientist, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, (NCAP), New Delhi-110012
2Principal Scientist, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, (NCAP), New Delhi-110012
3 Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, Indian Agricultural Research institute (IARI), New Delhi-110012
Online published on 19 August, 2015.
Empowerment can be defined as a multi-dimensional social process that helps people gain control over their own lives. In India, Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as major instruments for women empowerment by fostering mobilization of rural women and facilitating their economic activities. Kudumbasree is a women oriented SHG based programme launched in 1998 by Government of Kerala to wipeout the absolute poverty in the state through a concerted action of community based organizations and local self governing bodies. Empowerment of rural women through group mobilization and collective action was the inherent objective of the programme. The study is based on the survey conducted in Kozhikode districtsof Kerala state to assess the impact of SHGs on the empowerment of rural women. It was found out that SHGs have contributed significantly to the empowerment of rural women. SHG members’ personal traits as well as group and social activities were the major determinants of empowerment.
