Gender Mainstreaming and Impact of SHGs: A Pragmatic Expedition from the Fish Value Addition Sector of Kerala

A rational assessment of the impact of women SHGs in gender mainstreaming was conducted among the fish value addition production units operating at Puthuvypu and Arakkunnam of Ernakulam district in Kerala. Based on socioeconomic surveys and in-person interviews, analysis of empowerment levels, performance levels, gender characteristics, and economic viability were done using standardised data collection techniques. Empowerment Index was calculated using data based on 8 pertinent dimensions. To evaluate the gender mainstreaming features in terms of equity and equality to access to resources, participation profile, decision-making, etc., the male and female counterparts of the households were individually interviewed. Male equivalents play a compelling role in decision-making, the gathering of raw resources, the conveyance of the finished product, etc. even though women dominate most tasks. Lacunae identified in Empowerment Index computation give feedback to proceed in the right direction and to follow appropriate changes in the manoeuvre of the microenterprise. The indicative economics of the enterprise’s payback period of less than a year serve as evidence of its cost-effectiveness.