Socio-Economic Characteristics and Empowerment of Women's Self-Help and Non-Self-Help Groups in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The research was undertaken in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu and focused on women's empowerment through Self Help Groups. This study included 50 women each from SHGs and non-SHGs. This study employed an ex-post facto research design. Data were collected through personal interview method. Descriptive statistics and a z-test were used to analyze the data. Relative Mean Weightage Scores (RMWS) were used to assess SHG women empowerment in the specified dimension. The findings showed that, in the socio-psychological dimension, SHGs women's active participation in SHG increased (1.90), their capacity to make decisions improved (1.88), and their self-confidence improved (1.76). Financial empowerment included timely repayments in accordance with procedure (1.96), a gain in income and the formation of a savings habit (1.94), and the use of available cash for the education and marriage of their wards (1.88). The most significant advantages related to familial empowerment were equal rights in the family (1.92) and technology, such as income-generating activities with their technical knowledge skill, including pickle/papad preparation (1.80). Since efforts must be made by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to offer appropriate capital, technical and land-holding support in value addition, marketing, and teaching women life skills for their empowerment through new policies and programmes.