Participation of SHG Women in Grama Panchayat Elections-2013 in North Coastal Districts of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The empowerment of women regarding social, economic and political are interrelated. The most significant aspect of women empowerment starts with the involvement of decision making process in the household activities. Self-help groups are started with this motive to create awareness among women in all the areas. First they built confidence among women by encouraging them the habit of saving which gives them financial support. If women got economic empowerment then they stand on their own feet and fight for the other two viz., social and political empowerment. There are so many studies focusing on the contribution of self help groups towards economic empowerment of women. Thus, this study is focused on political empowerment of women. The political consciousness and level of participation of women in these activities has been explored by a few of the researchers. Therefore, considering the importance of these facts an attempt has been made to understand and analyse the political participation and empowerment of women in the selected North Coastal Andhra districts with special reference to SHG women in Grama Panchayat Elections held in 2013 in Andhra Pradesh.