Socio-Economic Impact through Self Help Groups

The overall objective of the present study is to analysis the economic empowerment of women though SHGs in three villages of Tuticorin District of Tamilnadu.  This study is compiled with the help of the primary data covered only in a six month period (2011).  Totally 238 respondents were selected from 18 SHGs of three villages by using simple random sampling method.  Empowerment signifies increased participation in decision-making and it is this process through which people feel themselves to be capable of making decisions and the right to do so. Women’s participation in decision-making in family is important indicator for measuring their empowerment. The analysis shows that 66 percent beneficiaries reported decisions are being taken by their husbands, yet, more than 34 percent respondents accepted that they do participate in decision-making process. Thus, the socio-economic conditions of women have demonstrated that their status has improved since the joining of SHG’s and availing microfinance. The result of chi-square- test revealed that there is significant difference between participation in decision-making in family and SHG women members in Tuticorin District. Keywords: Self-Help Groups, women empowerment, percentage analysis, averages, chi-square tests