Kudumbashree as a Catalyst for Economic Empowerment of Rural Women through Self Help Groups in Kerala

Abstract

The Empowerment of women in economic, social and political settings has become one of the most important concerns of modern and elite world of 21 st century. The organisation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) constitutes a widely accepted development strategy for women empowerment and poverty alleviation. The present paper focuses on the role of Kudumbashree (KDMS) in women's economic empowerment through SHGs in Kerala. It is one of the largest women's movement in Asia having over 37 lakh members covering more than 50 percent of households in Kerala. The broad objectives of the study is to examine the demographic profile of the KDMS members, to identify the effect of the various demographic variables on economic empowerment of KDMS members for the sub samples based on age, marital status, educational level and occupation. The study is mainly based on primary data from 150 KDMS members collected through interviews and meetings. Secondary data from research studies, annual reports, websites etc of government and non-governmental organisations were also used. Data collected was carried out by using structured interview schedule and data analysis done through applying ANOVA as the main statistical technique, using SPSS software. The demographic profile of Neighbourhood Groups (NHG) members selected as sample reveals that majority of the members in KDMS are married and most of them belong to the age group of 31 to 45 years. It was found that there is economic empowerment among the members with respect to certain demographic variables. Statistical significance in the inter group differences between the various categories of demographic variables and economic empowerment in general and with respect to certain specific economic parameters were also identified. KDMS acts as a catalyst for economic empowerment of women by providing economic security, social solidarity and political betterment of women of the particular region.