SHGS AS CATALYSTS: INSIGHTS INTO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN SELECT DISTRICTS OF BIHAR

Abstract

Empowering women is crucial for a nation's progress, yet poverty remains the most significant obstacle. The concept of women's empowerment emerged at the Nairobi International Women’s Conference in 1985, aiming to redistribute societal authority and resources in favor of women. In rural India, many women are the primary breadwinners, often supporting their families independently with little assistance from men. Recognizing this, the Indian government has prioritized women's empowerment since the 9th Five-Year Plan to enhance women's decision-making capabilities and improve their lives and those of their families. Despite extensive literature, there appears to be a lack of studies focusing specifically on women’s empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs) in certain districts of Bihar. This research paper aims to analyze the socio-economic profiles of women entrepreneurs, investigate the motivations for rural women joining SHGs, and examine their income and expenditure before and after joining these groups. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed to SHG members in the Araria and Supaul districts of Bihar. Convenient sampling was employed for participant selection, and appropriate statistical methods were utilized to analyze the objectives. The findings indicate that in both districts, women’s income levels increased after joining SHGs. However, the analysis revealed no significant correlation between educational qualifications and income differentials in either Araria or Supaul.