“A STUDY OF SELF HELP GROUP ON WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

KANPUR NAGAR”

A
Dissertation work
M.A 2nd Semester (Economics)

Submitted To
C.S.J.M University , Kanpur
Session (2023-2024)
SUPERVISOR SUBMITTED BY

(Dr. Lalit Kumar Maurya) (Shifa Siddiqui)

Assistant Professor M.A Sem 2nd

Department of Economics Economics

P.P.N (P.G) College, Kanpur Nagar UID.no : A23MAA1021

 CONTENT

 Introduction
 Review Of Literature
 Objectives Of The Study
 Research Methodology
 Expected Outcomes
 Suggestions
 Limitations
 References
INTRODUCTION

Women constitute half of world population. Their role is indispensable in the society.
But they are deprived of their basic rights. Domestic violence, economic and
educational discrimination, reproductive health inequities and harmful traditional
practices, remains the most pervasive and persistent form of inequality in the society.
Therefore a need is felt to empower them. Evolution of the concept called Self Help
Group (SHG) is a ray of hope in the dark for the governments to empower women.
It has the potential to address many of the problems that the women are facing due
to disempowerment and really can bring a considerable change in their lives. In this
article an attempt is made to know women empowerment, its dimensions, concept of
Self Help Groups, and their role in women empowerment followed by conclusion.

Women Empowerment
Women Empowerment can be simply defined as creating an environment where
women are given the power to make decisions pertaining to their own lives.
However, there is a widespread literature available on definition of Women
Empowerment. The following are worth mentioning. United Nations (2001) defines
empowerment as the processes by which women take control and ownership of their
lives through expansion of their choices. The World Bank‟s Empowerment and
Poverty Reduction: A Source Book, defines empowerment in its broadest sense as the
“expansion of freedom of choice and action”
(Narayan, 2002). Kabeer (1999) refers women empowerment as the processes by
which those who have been denied the ability to make choices acquire such ability.
Women empowerment takes place at a hierarchy of different levels – individual,
household, community and societal. (Thelma Kay, 2002)

 “Millions of women in our hamlets know what unemployment means. Give

them access to economic activities and they will have access to power and self-
confidence to which they hitherto have been strangers”

 Mahatma Gandhi The relationship between women's empowerment and social

development has been a major theme in studies of any nation‟s overall
development.

 The United Nation (UN) claims that improving women‟s status is not only
beneficial to themselves but also for overall social economic development of
the nation.

 "Investing in women's capabilities and empowering them to exercise their

choices is not only valuable in itself but is also the surest way to contribute
to economic growth and overall development" (United Nations, 1995).

 Women comprise of half of the country‟s population, yet, they have limited
control over income. Most women remain confined to a narrow range of
female low-income activities resulting in gender discrimination.
 Poverty and unemployment are the major problems of any under-developed
countries, to which India is no exception.

 In India, at the end of Ninth Five Year Plan, 26.1 per cent of the population
was living below poverty line. In the rural areas, 27.1 per cent of the
population was living under poverty.

 The overall unemployment rate was estimated to be 7.32 per cent while the
female unemployment rate was 8.5 per cent. Unemployment amongst women in
the rural areas was 9.8 per cent.

 This was because of the low growth of new and productive employment. In
the end of the Ninth Five Year Plan, the Government implemented various
schemes to reduce poverty and to promote gainful employment. But the most
effective scheme with less stress on financial expenditure was the concept of “Self-
Help Group”.

 It is a tool to remove poverty and improve the rural development (Sabyasachi

Das, 2003). When we look into the 1990s, development programs started to
notice the role of women's empowerment in economic development and human
development.

 The term „Women's Empowerment‟ was first defined by the United Nations
after the Fourth World Conference on “Women: Action for Equality,
Development and Peace” in Beijing in 1995.

The United Nations identified that Women's Empowerment has five components:
women's sense of selfworth, their right to have and to determine choices, their
right to have access to opportunities and resources, their right to have the power
to control their own lives - both within and outside the home, and their ability to
influence the direction of social change to create a more just social and economic
order, nationally and internationally (United Nations, 1995.) Despite significant
growth in agricultural production and employment over the past five decades of
development planning, rural poverty continues to pose the greatest challenge in
India. Despite decades of poverty alleviation efforts, the absolute number of poor
has doubled since independence. About 36 per cent of the rural households are
found to be outside the fold of institutional credit.

When we study the various studies, suggest that the existing policies, systems and
procedures as well as the savings and loan products often are not matching the
needs of the poor. “Whatever you do, be different- that was the advice my
mother gave me, and I can‟t think of better advice for an entrepreneur. If you‟re
different, you will stand out.” and “Nobody talks about entrepreneurship as a
survival, but that‟s exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking. Running
the first shop taught me business is not financial science; it‟s about trading:
buying and selling.” – By Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop. So
empowerment of women involves many things- economic opportunity, social
equality and personal rights.
 Women are deprived of these human rights, often as a matter of tradition. In rural
areas, women are generally not perceived to have any meaningful income
generation capacity, and hence, they are relegated mainly to household duties and
cheap labour. Without the power to work and earn a good income, their voices
are silenced. Individual scholars also have their definitions of women's
empowerment. The definitions of women's empowerment by scholars often belong
to either category: empowerment as a process, or empowerment as a goal. In the
first viewpoint, empowerment is viewed as an ongoing process rather than a
product; there is no final goal to it. Empowerment is the process whereby the
powerless gain control over the circumstances of their lives.

It includes both control over resources and ideology (Batiwala, 1994; Sen &
Batliwala, 2000). Kabeer (1999) emphasizes "power" as the ability to make
choices, and "empowerment" is the process of acquiring the ability of make
choices by those who are denied such ability. In later definition of the concept,
Mosadale (2005) defines women's empowerment as the process by which women
redefine gender roles in ways which extends their possibilities for being and
doing. She emphasizes that empowerment has to be claimed by the group that
want to be empowered, specifically by women. Empowerment is about ability:
women's ability to control individual health; the ability to control her life; and the
ability to change the world (Bradley, 1995; Tengland, 2008).

Different dimensions of this also include the abilities to control their homes, work,
relationships, leisure time and values. One can argue that this point of view is not
much different from a general human rights perspective since it does not highlight
the gender aspect of women's empowerment. Bradley (1995) for example, views
empowerment as the degree to which women are social actors, and thus, able to
affect their own positions. Even though some scholars view women's empowerment
as an outcome or as an outcome and a process, the definition that describes
women's empowerment as a process has received more agreement. The process of
women's empowerment is dynamic; it is not static over the life course but may
vary over time, subject to the accumulation of experiences, resources, and
achievements as well as of time-varying characteristics like age, marital status and
duration (Lee-Rife, 2010).

SELF HELP GROUP (SHG)

A Self Help Group (SHG) is a group of rural poor who have volunteered to organize
themselves into a group for eradication of poverty of members. They agree to save
regularly and convert their savings into a Common Fund known as the Group
Corpus. (Mukesh Arora, 2012) A Self – Help Group (SHG) can also be viewed as a
small voluntary association of poor people, preferably from the same socioeconomic
background. They come together for the purpose of solving their common problems
through self-help and mutual help. The SHG promotes small savings among its
members. The savings are kept with a bank. This common fund is in the name of
the SHG. Usually, the number of members in one SHG does not exceed twenty.
(Ghadoliya, 2004)
Further, A Self Help Group can be defined as a group consists of 10-20 members
drawn from a relatively homogeneous economic class (i.e. poor), self selected on the
basis existing affinities and mutual trust; members meet regularly at a fixed time and
place and pool their savings into a common fund from which they take need based
loans. The group develops its own rules and regulations and sanctions for violations;
the meeting procedures and processes, leadership change norms, intensive training and
handholding, are designed to enable SHGs to function in a participatory and
democratic manner. According to Fernandez (1998), the objectives of the SHGs go
beyond thrift and credit and include the overall development of members in the
social, political, cultural and economic arena; thus the SHGs are „credit plus‟
institutions (Deepti Umashankar, 2006)

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The review of literature has been classified into two categories - firstly, review of the studies
on women empowerment programmes and secondly, reviews of the studies on Self
Help Groups (SHGs) strategy.

• Galab S and Rao N. C. (2003) Studied about, “Women‟s Self-Help Groups,

Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment”. The paper is based on the review of some
relevant studies. In this article strategy for poverty alleviation and women
empowerment has been discussed. Study found that government of Andhra Pradesh
has provided considerable space for women’s self-help groups. This paper attempted
to address some of the issues. These issues are mainly what are the characteristics of
the women-based group models of poverty alleviation and women empowerment that
are being implemented in the state? How are the poor women organized in to
groups? How do the groups function? And what has been the contribution of these
models to poverty alleviation and women empowerment? In this paper detailed
analysis of the formation, functioning and impact of the models on poverty and
women The broad objective of the study is to examine the role and performance of
SHGs in promoting women’s empowerment in the study area.

• Mahendra Varman P., (2005), studied about „Impact of Self-Help Groups on Formal
Banking Habits.’ The theme of the article was impact of self-help groups on formal
banking habits. The main objectives of the articles were to examine the impact of micro-
financing SHGs on individual bank account holding status with respect to females. This
articles based on secondary data. Data was collected from two appropriately sampled
villages of Tamil Nadu. In these article researchers has revealed that microfmance
SHGs in India, which are classified under informal organizations, intentionally or
unintentionally help formal banks by increasing the number of accounts by inculcating
banking habits in rural women. In this paper makes modest attempt to examine whether
there is any association between the growth of SHGs and the increase in female bank
deposit accounts and whether SHGs have a tendency to influence account holding in
formal banks.
In this paper tries to trace the socio-economic factors that determine deposit and credit
account holdings (banking habits) in formal banks, among individuals and households. In this
paper analysis also reveals that being a member in SHGs and, more importantly, having
leadership experience in SHGs greatly influences the bank account holding. In this
articles researcher has inculcate banking habits at a higher magnitude; thereby enhancing
the advantage of banks in acquiring large numbers of deposit accounts. Number of
deposit accounts was increasing. The paper concludes that the use in overall deposit
accounts were due to the increase in deposit account holding of females.

• Kannabiran V.,(2005) Studied about „‟Marketing Self-Help, Managing Poverty”

Published by „Economic and Political Weekly‟ Vol -XL, No 34. The theme of the
article is marketing self-help, managing poverty. In this article analyzed has the increasing
participation of women in microcredit and formation of women’s self- help group s have
done little more than assuring short-term relief to ease immediate needs.

• Kadam P.B. ,(2006) In her Ph.D. Thesis “Assessment of the Contribution of Self-Help
Groups to Women's Empowerment - A Study With Reference to Satara District." She has
analyzed the work and scope of SHG movement in Satara District. She observed that
the maximum SHGs in Satara 24District. The number of SHG members varies between
11 to 15. The monthly interest rate on internal loan of maximum SHGs in Satara District
is 2 percent. She suggest that a proper facilitation and awakening should be done among
women in BPL as well as APL groups in connection to original concept objectives and role
of SHG in women empowerment.

• Sreeramulu G., (2006) In his Book „Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Groups‟
‘Published by, Kalpaz Publications, New Delhi. Writer has analyzed to the evolution of
SHGs and its credit facilities and their meaning, aims, objectives and implementation
process. The author mainly focused its attention an empowerment of women, topography,
socio economics background of the rural women in District selected for study. It covers the
problems and perspectives of self-help groups and suggested several measures.

• Umashankar D., (2006) in her Dissertation, "Women‟s Empowerment: Effect of

Participation in Self-Help Groups.” She has seeks to explore the impact of participation in
self-help groups on the empowerment of women in the context of the great importance
being given to the group approach while conceptualizing any programme for rural women.
The study is situated in District Mewat in the northern state of Haryana, a state which
faces the conundrum of rapid economic growth juxtaposed with poor social indicators,
and uses the personal narrative method to give a voice to women’s perspective. The
objective of this study is to determine whether and to what extent participation in self-
help groups has an impact on the empowerment of women members. She has looks at
various dimensions of empowerment- material, cognitive, perceptual and relational.
• Randhawa.V and Mann S. K. (2007), In Their Research, ” Structure and Functioning Of
Self-Help Groups in Punjab „Published by, Indian J. Agric, Vol. 41, No. 3. The main
objectives of the articles are to explore the functional aspects of SHGs in promoting
micro saving and inter loaning activities. This article based on survey research design
covered all the 17 Districts of Punjab. In their articles focused on tracing the genesis
and structure and evaluate the functional aspects of SHGs. The major findings revealed
that majority of SHGs were promoted by GOs and there were few SHGs promoted by
NGOs. The results of the study revealed that monthly 25meetings was their regular
feature and majority of SHGs was using saving for inter loaning purposes. Further,
majority of the SHGs were performing badly in terms of capacity building of members.
Therefore, future focus of SHG must be on capacity building and skill up gradation of
rural women.

• Udupi P.S. , (2008), In her M Phil Dissertation "A Study of Women Self-Help Groups
In Walwa Taluka, District Sangli". She has analyzed the history and development of SHG in
Walwa Taluka. The general information includes information about SHGs, information about
SHGs members, internal loan, use of revolving fund, uses of group loan are analyzed,
interpreted other problems of self-help groups. She observed that there are mixed self-
help groups of women from general category and women form scheduled caste, 83 percent
women were married. She suggested for improvement in the working and management of
self- help groups of BPL women.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The broad objective of the study is to examine the role and performance of
SHGs in promoting women‟s empowerment in the study area. However, the
study has some specific objectives. They are :

 To analyse the economic gains derived by the members after joining the
SHGs.

 To examine the social benefits derived by the members.

 To analyse the operating system of SHGs for the mobilization of saving,

delivery of credit to the needy.

 Management of group funds, repayment of loans, in building up leadership,

and establishing l inkage with banks.

 To suggest appropriate policy intervention for the effective performance

of SHGs.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Descriptive research design was used. The study that we will conduct in the district of
Kanpur Nagar. Basically ,the areas are Shashtri Nagar, Juhi kalan Colony , Kidwai Nagar,
Usmaanpur namely selecting randomly. Maximum SHGs is working for the promotion of
dairy. An interview schedule will be organise for the collection of data. The interview
schedule will consist of questions relating to status .
This research methodology will design by the exploratory research by which all the enquiry
will get in easy way and know the better solution of the SHGs group for future.

Data Collection
The legality of any research is based on the convenient method of data collection and
analysis of the data collecting. The data will collect through primary data as well as
secondary data.

Primary Data : Primary data is the first hand data, we use convenient techniques for sampling
papers. We will go through the sample size ,in this we show the target the population and
observe the contribution of Male and Female in SHGs Group.

Secondary data : Secondary data can be obtain from, Reports and publication
NATIONAL BANK FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (NABARD),
Website : SELF – EMPLOYED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (SEWA) .

Data Analysis tools

The data will analyse through the various types of tools , with the help of Economic
Empowerment which is dependent variable, the statistic tools will apply are
percentage analysis , Correlation analysis and Factor analysis tools. The percentage
analysis will shows the position of SHGs Group in Economic activities. It also show
the how much peoples are involves with SHGs Group . Correlation analysis will help
to verify the correlation between SHGs Group and Women Empowerment , especially
in the context of developing countries where SHGs will promote as a means to empower
women economically and socially.

Factor analysis is a statistical method used to identify relationship between observed

variables, often in the context of a larger construct or factor through which the analysis
will identify the four keys factors contributing to women’s empowerment: Economic
Independence, Decision making- power, Social Participations, and Access to resources
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
These outcomes will based on the objectives of the research and serve as
Benchmarks to evaluate the success or effectiveness of the endeavor –

• Women who are active members of SHGs will expected to get higher levels of income
and savings compare to non –members.

• SHGs often provide women with access to credit and financial resources , enabling
them to start or expand their own businesses.

• SHGs will provide a platform for women to connect with others, share experiences, and
can build supportive networks.

• Empowered women are more likely to seek and utilize health services, leading to better
Maternal and child health comes out.

• SHGs may also support adult literacy programs, enabling women to acquire basic
literacy and numeric skills, which can enhance their decision–making abilities and
over all empowerment.

• SHGs contribute to poverty alleviation by promoting sustainable livelihoods and

economic growth at the community level.

• SHGs can also reduce the influence of informal lenders in Rural Areas.

• The impact of SHGs of women empowerment would be such as improving the quality
SHG Training Programs, expanding access to credit and resources.

• SHG can foster social cohesion and solidarity, leading to improve community well being
and resilience.

SUGGESTIONS

Considering the findings of the study, the following suggestion were prescribed.

• Literacy and numeric training is needed for the poor women to benefit from
the micro-credit schemes.

• Training in legal literacy, rights and gender awareness are important

complements to micro-credit for the empowerment of women. The members
should be given necessary training and guidance for the successful operation
of the group.
• The members of the SHG should be more active, enthusiastic and dynamic to
mobilise their savings by group actions. In this process NGOs should act
as a facilitator and motivator.
• The office bearers managing the group should be given nominal financial
benefits, which will enable them to be more involved in the activities of
the Group.
• The bank should advance adequate credit to the SHG according to their needs.
 Uniformity should be maintained in formation and extension of financial
assistance to them by banks in all blocks.
 The procedure of the banks in sanctioning credit to SHG should be simple and
quick.
• Marketing facilities for the sale of products of SHG may be created.
 Periodical exhibitions at block-level may be organised where the products of
SHG can be displayed.
 Meetings and Seminars may be organised where the members will get a
chance to exchange their views and be able to develop their group strength by
interaction.
• Active intervention by district administration, professional bodies and voluntary
organizations is precondition for the successful conception of micro enterprises in
terms of skill training, designing products, providing new technology and access to
market.

LIMITATIONS

While SHGs will demonstrate numerous benefits for women’s empowerment,

there are also several limitations associations with –

• SHG may not reach all women, particularly those in remote or marginalized
communities. This limitation can result in equal access to resources and opportunities
for women’s empowerment.

• SHGs platforms for women to enhance their skills, confident, and socio-economic
Status, thereby contributing the broader community development.

• Without adequate support and capacity–buiding efforts, SHGs may struggle to achieve
lasting empowerment outcomes.

• A lack of intersectional prespective can result in empowerment initiative that will fail to
Adequately address the diverse needs and experience of marginalizing women.

• May SHGs rely heavily on external support from NGOs, Government agencies , or
donor organization for training, and financial assistance. This dependency can
undermine the autonomy and self reliance of SHG members , limiting their ability to
drive their own empowerment processes.
REFERENCES
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%20Deepti.pdf
2. Jael van der Heijden, 2006: Sustainability and Empowerment Through SHG
Federations – A
Study in East Uttar Pradesh, retrieved From www.wemanresources.info/.../Thesis%20Jael
%20van%20der%20Heij
3. M K Ghadoliya, 2004: Empowering Women Through SHGs: Role of Distance
Education, Paper
presented at Third Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning, Dunedin, New
Zealand, July
2004, retrieved from http://www.col.org/pcf3/Papers/PDFs/Ghadoliya_MK.pdf
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