Empowerment of women in rural Odisha through participation in self help groups

Empowerment of women is a process in which women of rural areas can challenge their traditional practice and culture to effectively promote their well being. Organizing rural women through Self Help Groups and provide them opportunities to develop their confidence, skills, status, economy and social attitude have created a socio-economic revolution in Odisha, India. The present study addresses women empowerment through Self Help Groups in Cuttack district of Odisha. In this research work, field data were collected from rural women based on their working pattern, economic condition, family background, education level, and size of the family. Average and percentage analysis was carried out to draw meaningful interpretation of the results, and to find out the reasons for joining the Self Help Groups. The results of the study revealed that Self Help Groups have greater impact on both social and economical aspects of the rural women in Odisha. The successful functioning of Self Help Groups in rural Odisha provides socio-economic independence to women leading to their empowerment.