Self-Help Groups: A Tool For The Empowerment Of Women

Abstract

Women constitute about 50%0f the total population yet they are the ones who are always in a disadvantaged position when question arises as to the allocation of resources and offering of opportunities. So it is very essential that women be provided with some kind of assistance which would help them in achieving empowerment. For the upliftment  and development of  women particularly those living in rural areas  the government formulated several programmes and policies.One such initiative was taken by the government of India with the formation of self-help groups.This Paper seeks to look into the various objectives and aims of the self-help groups.It also tries to look into the issues and ways through which self-help groups can aid in the empowerment of women and make them self-reliant.It also talks about NABARD  which has brought a sea-change in the condition of the poor women in rural areas by linking SHGs with banks.Various constitutional guarantees have been discussed which provide  safeguards and rights to women.This Paper also highlights the issue of development of women as reflected in the different Five Year Plans. It is only through economic independence can women achieve all other forms of equality which will secure her honour and dignity in the society.