Abstract

Dr. SR Padala

Women represent 50 percent of world population and receive 10 per cent of the world income and own even less than one per cent of the world’s property. They suffer many disadvantages as compared to men in terms of literacy rates, labour participation rates and earnings. The major strategies of women Empowerment include social empowerment, economic empowerment, political empowerment and gender justice along with demographical justice (rural and urban). For rural women economic empowerment the concept of self Help Groups (SHGs) based on group approach to rural development is indeed a boon to the rural poor women who undertake viable economic activities on their own. The SHGs are voluntary associations of people formed to attain some common goals. The present study highlights to evaluate the nature of business and its performance carried out by women through SHGs in Andhra Pradesh. A sample of 400 DWCRA members was randomly selected out of 133 Self-Help Groups from Srikakulam, East Godavari, Chittor, Kurnool Warangal and Khammam Districts of Andhra Pradesh and a schedule was designed and administered among the respondents. Poverty is the compelling force for the women under study to join in the group and to take up the income generating activity. The study revealed that the main reason for becoming a group member is to get eligibility for availing government schemes and for availing bank loan facility. The study also proved that though majority of the members are illiterates their savings performance, group loan, and bank loan repayment performance are satisfactory. By running a business activity the women members have been earning certain income thereby supplementing their family income. The role of wife in taking majority of the business decisions is much evident in the study. However the role of joint decisions of both husband and wife in business cannot be ruled out. The present study highlights experiences of the members of SHGs and the contribution of these groups in income generation and thereby enhancing women empowerment. It also highlights that it is only through SHGs rural women economic empowerment can be possible.