Women Self Help Groups Research Articles

Participatory conflict as an intrinsic dimension of participatory communication: An ethnographic study of women self-help groups from Uttarakhand, India

ABSTRACT This paper establishes participatory conflict invoked by intersectional standpoints as a critique of the conventional celebratory understanding of participatory communication for social change. The paper is based on an immersive ethnographic study in the state of Uttarakhand, India with women participants in three self-help groups. Our findings acknowledge the presence of inevitable participatory conflict in women groups’ participation due to intersectional standpoints where gender intersects with caste, economic position, and paid work exposure leading to unequal access to communication resources among members. Our study offers a nuanced framework for participatory communication for social change that can contribute to both theory and development communication practice by acknowledging participatory conflict as an integral dimension of collective and individual empowerment process.

Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of a self-help group intervention to encourage smoke-free homes in slums of Kochi(Kochi Intervention for tobacco smoke free homes-KIFT)

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

Exploring the Scope and Impact of Vocational Education and Skill Development Programs on Women’s Self-Help Groups

Women's self-help groups (WSHGs) have arisen as an important tool for women's empowerment and socioeconomic development in many nations, particularly in developing areas. Skill development and vocational education programs aimed at women in these categories have received attention as possible catalysts for increasing their economic independence, social status, and general well-being. The purpose of this article is to look at the influence of skill development and vocational education efforts on women's self-help groups, with a particular emphasis on economic empowerment, community development, and female agency. Drawing on empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, this study investigates the mechanisms by which skill development and vocational education programs contribute to women's empowerment in self-help groups, as well as the broader implications for gender equality and sustainable development.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SELF-HELP GROUPS: A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF WOMEN IN BHARATPUR

The primary objective of this study is to gain deeper insights into the socioeconomic influence of women in Bharatpur, with a specific focus on those involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs). This research aims to comprehensively understand how the participation of women in SHGs has contributed to their empowerment and overall socioeconomic development. The study includes a detailed analysis and interpretation of various indicators, such as changes in income and savings levels before and after joining SHGs, as well as the growth in their confidence, leadership abilities, and knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, the literature review explores the broader socioeconomic impact on the lives of women, highlighting how involvement in SHGs has transformed their social and economic standing. Self Help Groups, as grassroots-level organizations, play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women. By offering opportunities for collective action, skill development, and financial independence, SHGs have become instrumental in advancing the welfare of women in Bharatpur, fostering greater autonomy, economic stability, and community leadership. This research not only investigates the financial outcomes associated with SHG membership but also delves into the qualitative aspects of empowerment, such as personal growth, decision-making capacities, and the ability to influence community-level initiatives. By examining these elements, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the socioeconomic transformations that SHGs facilitate in the lives of women in Bharatpur.

The Transformative Power of Bihar Self Help Groups in Women and Economic Empowerment

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar have given women a stronger voice by providing a platform to connect, share stories, and support one another. Consequently, women’s confidence, social status, and ability to advocate for themselves have all increased due to the collective power of their groups. Additionally, the financial independence and reduced reliance on male family members have enabled women in SHGs to engage in more income generating activities.

CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS - AN ASSESSMENT

Child labour refers to the exploitation of minors through any type of employment that robs them of their youth, prevents them from attending a regular school, or is detrimental to their mental, physical, social, or moral development. Child labour enriches minors and infringes their rights. MGNREGA lacks funding but offers unskilled labour. By utilizing women's self-help groups and microfinance, UBIS hopes to eradicate child labour in rural areas by 2025. Prioritizing knowledge production and evidence translation, rescuing and rehabilitating labourers, and implementing free education are essential. By 2025, governments have to prioritize law enforcement, coordinated policies, and small labour rights. Over 75% of Indians are farmers, and large-scale income strategies like MGNREGA and agro-based enterprises are needed to reduce child labour and poverty. By 2025, UBIS, increased budgets, social safety nets, and stronger public policy are needed.

Women Empowerment through Self Help Groups: A Bibliometric Analysis

‘Women Empowerment’ has been regarded as an inevitable component of development. The Self Help Groups (SHGs) approach was implemented to promote savings and create social cohesiveness among women to empower them in a collective manner, especially for the rural poor. The article conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to identify significant contributors, existing refinements, fields, and advocates for different directions in the study area of SHGs and women's empowerment and to ascertain the domain knowledge on developments connected to women empowerment and SHGs. The Scopus database was used to search the global literature on self-help groups and Women Empowerment. As per the findings, this field is still growing globally, both in developed and developing nations. It found significant links between SHGs and socio-economic empowerment, gender equality, and health promotion. It also shows that SHGs have been utilized as a medium at the local, national, and worldwide levels to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment in various countries.

Role of Government Policies and Programs in Supporting Women's Self-help Groups in Karnataka

Role of Government Policies and Programs in Supporting Women's Self-help Groups in Karnataka

Women-led community institutions as a potential vehicle for the adoption of varieties and improved seed practices: an impact case from India

Rice–wheat rotation is the principal cropping system in South Asian countries. Increasing productivity under this cropping system in Northern India is not only a policy priority but also an important component towards ensuring food and nutritional security for the major portion of the Indian population. The objective of enhanced productivity is being pursued through innovative extension models focusing on the adoption of modern varieties and community-led seed production. The present experimental study (a randomized control trial) was conducted in Uttar Pradesh (India) to evaluate the efficacy of community institutions [e.g., women self-help group (WSHG)] based seed interventions in promoting the adoption of improved varieties amongst farmers. Besides, the impact on the implementation of quality seed production practices, adoption of seed quality measures, and participation in capacity-building trainings were also evaluated. The findings infer that implementing seed scaling programs through community institutions leads to a significantly higher rate of technological adoption than that executed through non-collectivized ways. Besides, farmers from WSHGs have more tendency towards learning new technologies and participating in training programs about improved crop management practices. The study also explains that WSHG-based programs are not a contributory factor in advancing farm technologies that are already in practice, such as seed cleaning and germination tests. This validated model can be suitably replicated for accelerated dissemination of seed-related innovations.

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH MILLET ENTREPRENEURSHIP: CULTIVATING SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

The value addition of millets presents significant opportunities for elevating the economic status and livelihoods of rural women not only for increased income, but also for enhancing national productivity, creating employment, and fostering economic independence, personal growth, and social upliftment. Major millets, minor millets, and little millets constitute distinct types within the millet family. In India, minor and little millets are classified as coarse cereals. Women SHGs in Odisha have been directly involved in the marketing of millets and millet-based products since 2021.This report seeks to investigate the extent to which women active in millet marketing are empowered. The study is for doing a qualitative analysis of the respondents' abilities to promote the product and focus on drawing useful conclusions on how they are being empowered. The sample for the study would involve one woman from each Self Help Group (SHG) and 5 to 6 SHGs would be taken for the collection of data. This study understands the processes involved in marketing of millets and throws light on how women empowerment is possible through it.

Role of self-help groups on socioeconomic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among rural women in Cooch Behar District, India

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups (SHGs) in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District, India, and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. In this study, we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs, such as no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5). Given this issue, a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs. The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections, namely, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic development, and awareness level, with each focusing on different aspects. A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form. The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level, as supported by both mean values and t test results. Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women, which also achieves SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall self-esteem of rural women. Finally, doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Offered by Women Self Help Group Members in Cuddalore District, India

Women's empowerment is essential to ensuring equal access to opportunities and their rights are properly respected. This is accomplished by enhancing and expanding women's social, economic, political, and legal existence. The present study was conducted in Cuddalore Block of Cuddalore District. A proportionate random sampling procedure was applied to select 120 respondents. They were members of Mahalir's Women Self-Help Group. Thittam project under, the organizational efforts taken by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW) to define the constraints faced and suggestions offered by the members of SHGs. The study found that lack of awareness about credit sources, followed by a lack of adequate communication skills and more dependence on leaders are the major personal constraints faced by women SHG members. Also, insufficient credit facilities, followed by a lack of periodical training and a lack of marketing channels for selling their produce, are the major organisational constraints women SHG members face. Among the suggestions, the majority of the members offered to increase the loan amount, enhance the subsidy amount to the women members and create employment opportunities for women members.

Financial well-being of women self-help group members: a qualitative study

Financial well-being of women self-help group members: a qualitative study

Acquaintance of Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Practices among Women’s Self-help Groups in Puducherry – A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Context: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem with particularly high burden in many low- and middle-income countries. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening and adherence to preventive practices among self-help group women in Puducherry. Settings and Design: This was a community-based cross-sectional study among women belonging to self-help groups in the field practice areas of our tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted for a period of 3 months from July to September 2023. The study population consists of women belonging to various self-help groups in the field practice areas of our tertiary care hospital based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A multistage random sampling method was used with an estimated sample size of 245. Statistical Analysis Used: Continuous variables were presented in the form of frequency and proportion. The Chi-square test was used for determining the association. Results: Out of 245, 39.6% had good knowledge regarding cervical cancer and 60.4% had poor knowledge. Majority of the rural women (140) had poor knowledge compared to urban areas. A significant association between employment and awareness (P = 0.000) regarding cervical cancer screening and prevention was observed. Conclusions: Health promotion and counseling services should be increased, and an efficient tracking of screening and assessment system should be intensified as part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases to accelerate its elimination.

A Study of the Attitude of Women towards Environmental Sanitation

Recognizing the relationship between attitude and personal characteristics, the study was taken up to identify the personal characteristics of the self-help group women, household head characterize and the family background their attitude towards environment sanitation with special reference to the areas of cleanliness, self-hygiene, drinking water and sewage and sewage disposal and the effect of the personal characteristics on the environmental sanitation. The study was conducted in the Anantapur district of the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The attitude scale to measure environmental sanitation developed by the investigators has been administered to 400 randomly selected self-help group women. The collected data was analyzed by using statistical techniques like percentages, Mean, SD,t test and ANOVA to study the influence of personal characteristics on the attitude towards Environmental sanitation. The finding of the study shows that the self-help group women are not similar in their characteristics. There is a significant difference between caste, and age groups of the women in the areas of cleanliness, Drinking water, and Sewage and sewage disposal but not in the case of sewage and sewage disposal. The women with different levels of education do differ in the areas of selfhygiene, drinking water, Sewage, and sewage Disposal but they do have similar attitudes in the case of cleanliness. The women with number of children do not differ from each other in all the areas. The Household heads of different age and Educational groups differ in their attitude towards Self Hygiene, Drinking water, Sewage and Sewage Disposal but have similar attitudes toward Cleanliness. The Male and Female groups of household heads differ from each other in all the areas of attitude indicating that Gender has a role in attitude formation toward Environmental Sanitation The family background of the women i.e, the members in the family occupation, income ownership of the residence, and type of family has similar attitudes in the areas viz., Cleanliness, Self-Hygiene, Drinking water, Sewage, and sewage Disposal. It indicates that the family background of the sample does not have any role in the formation of attitudes toward Environmental Sanitation

Triple Role of Women in SHGs

Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a powerful mechanism for empowering women, particularly in rural areas. SHGs have significantly impacted women’s socio-economic status. However, women face various challenges within and outside the SHG framework. These challenges include social obligations, taboos, and bureaucratic interventions. Additionally, marketability of their products and access to microfinance remain areas of concern. The study identifies triple role of women in SHGs. The study aims to analyze the impact of SHGs on women empowerment.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Women's Self-Help Groups: Exploring Socio-Economic and Socio-Psychological Factors in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia

The study aimed to address the critical research gap in understanding the effectiveness of Group Dynamics (GD) within Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Ethiopian context. Specifically, it sought to examine the extent to which socioeconomic and sociopsychological variables predicted group dynamics and how well these dynamics predicted attitudes among SHG members. A correlational design was employed to investigate the relationships between various variables. A sample of 372 SHG members was selected using simple random sampling. Data analysis included correlation and multiple regression techniques. Assumptions of normality, outliers, and multicollinearity were assessed and met. The results revealed several significant findings. Firstly, attitude, extension contact, socioeconomic profile, and social participation of SHG members were found to have statistically significant positive relationships with Group Dynamics Effectiveness (GDE). Secondly, the regression model including these predictors significantly explained 59.3% of the variance in GDE. Attitude emerged as the strongest predictor, contributing 18.5% uniquely to explaining GDE. Lastly, the socioeconomic profile of SHG members was identified as the weakest predictor, explaining only 0.5% of the unique variance in GDE. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between various factors such as attitude, extension contact, socioeconomic status, and social participation with the effectiveness of group dynamics within SHGs in Ethiopia. Attitude was highlighted as the most influential factor contributing to GDE, while socioeconomic status had a relatively minimal impact. These findings have important implications for the design and implementation of SHG programs in Ethiopia. Specifically, efforts to enhance attitude and extension contact among SHG members may lead to more effective group dynamics, ultimately improving the overall success and impact of SHG initiatives on socioeconomic development in the region.

Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness of a self-help group intervention to encourage smoke-free homes in slums of Kochi(Kochi Intervention for tobacco smoke free homes-KIFT)

Background Exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is a cause for heart disease and lung cancer among non- smokers. This cluster randomized control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco smoke free home intervention in reducing exposure to second hand smoke. Protocol The intervention will be conducted among 30 clusters in urban and peri-urban areas of Kochi, India. The sample size is 300 per arm and 15 clusters to detect a minimal difference of 0.03ng/ml in cotinine levels between groups, at 80% power with a two-sided alfa of 0.05 considering variable cluster size. A baseline survey will be undertaken to identify smokers. Data related to smoking, indoor smoking, nicotine dependence, blood pressure (BP) of smokers, morbidity experienced, and lung volume Fev1/Fev6 of smokers will be measured. Urine cotinine, morbidity, BP of spouse and child will be assessed. Air quality monitors measuring PM2.5 will be placed in homes. Trained self-help group women and frontline health workers will implement the intervention. The intervention will consist of monthly home visits to educate the smoker on the harms of second-hand smoke using 3 A’s. The circle of influencers around the smoking men will also be contacted by the members of self-help group to provide support to stop smoking within homes and to quit. They will then organize two-three meetings of community leaders and heads of women’s groups, present data on harms of SHS, and explain the rationale for establishing smoke free homes in their community for a duration of six months. After the intervention a post assessment will be conducted and this will be repeated after six months. Ethics and dissemination The trial protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Results will be submitted to open access peer reviewed journals and shared with other stakeholders. Trial registration CTRI/2021/06/034478

Level of Education and Savings Mobilization among Women Groups in Kisii County, Kenya

Investments by firms ultimately benefit the nation through higher productivity and economic growth. The role of savings in investment and, therefore, in the development of a country cannot be exaggerated. In developing countries like Kenya, most of the savings are done by households. High savings can also hedge countries against economic downturns and financial crises. One of the avenues to boost national savings is by encouraging individuals to increase personal savings. In this study, the behavior of women savings in Voluntary Saving Groups, which are self-help women groups in Kisii county, was examined. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the level of education can influence savings mobilization among self-help women groups in Kisii County for economic growth in Kenya. The study was guided by psychological and sociological theories, which propose that an individual's changes in resources over time and the influence of education, among other factors, have an influence on savings. The study will be beneficial to groups on savings as well as policymakers who come up with regulations concerning savings through groups. The study used the descriptive survey design and the target population was 1,482 group members of the various self-help women groups in Kisii County, from which a sample of 165 was obtained. The study revealed that the level of education is a serious contributor to saving decisions among women in self-help groups, thereby influencing savings mobilization among themselves.

Does social capital promote sustainable livelihood? Mediating effect of women entrepreneurship

PurposeThe present study investigates the role of social capital in promoting sustainable livelihood amongst indigenous women in India. The study further analyses the mediation effect of women entrepreneurship between social capital and livelihood promotion.Design/methodology/approachStructure equation modeling has been used to empirically examine the effect of social capital in promoting sustainable livelihood. The study has collected 612 samples from indigenous women entrepreneurs across Sundargarh and Koraput districts in Odisha.FindingsThe result highlighted the extensiveness of indigenous women entrepreneurs, who utilized their social capital to improve enterprise performance and livelihood conditions. It is witnessed that social capital has a direct and positive effect on uplifting the living standards of indigenous women. Furthermore, women entrepreneurship mediates the relationship between social capital and livelihood promotion of indigenous women.Practical implicationsThe decision-makers, policy practitioners and government agencies must encourage more women's self-help groups to participate in entrepreneurial activities by utilizing social capital through government welfare programs.Originality/valueThe present study adds value to the existing literature on social capital, women entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood by measuring the importance of social capital in achieving sustainable livelihood. This study will add knowledge to the existing theories and literature of social capital on its use and importance towards the benefit of society.