1Directorate of Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development Studies, Department of Agricultural Extension Rural Sociology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-3. email: jebamaryextn@gmail.com
Online published on 13 January, 2016.
Self-help groups (SHGs) have emerged as an effective mechanism of empowerment and development of women as well as being an efficient mode of promoting group action and technology dissemination. Members of Self Help Groups must start some economic activities for additional income to sustain the financial strength of the group. A Study was carried out to analyze the process of management of income generating activities in groups. Data were collected both at group and at members ’level through analysis of groups ’records, well-structured interview schedule and focused group discussion. Focused group discussion with the members revealed that working in group fulfilled all the requirements of the economic activity i.e. from arrangements of raw materials to the marketing of final product. In order to increase the living standard of the family, they are engaged in more individual activities. The study revealed that about 90 per cent members had either started new economic activities after joining the groups. Sustai nability of the activities however depends on the resource availability and management skills of the partners rather than group or individual based. Participation in income generating activities helps in the overall empowerment of women.
Self Help Groups, Income generating activities, Economic empowerment
