Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a formidable force in promoting gender equality across India, catalysing economic, financial, and social empowerment for women. These grassroots-level entities not only facilitate access to economic resources but also foster an environment where women can assume significant leadership roles. This blog explores the tangible impacts of SHGs on women's lives, contrasting these outcomes with the experiences of women who are not SHG members to underscore the unique benefits SHGs offer.
Economic and Financial Empowerment through SHGs
Increased Income: A study by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) highlights that women participating in SHGs have seen their income levels increase significantly. The average monthly income of SHG members was found to be about 25% higher than that of non-members. This increase is primarily attributed to improved access to microcredit facilities, which enable women to embark on entrepreneurial ventures or expand existing ones.
Asset Ownership: Research conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) provides compelling evidence that SHG membership leads to increased ownership of assets by women. According to their findings, women in SHGs are 17% more likely to own land and 23% more likely to own livestock compared to their non-member counterparts. These assets not only boost their economic status but also enhance their influence within the household and community.
Social Empowerment through SHGs
Leadership Roles: SHGs serve as a platform for women to develop leadership skills. The Ministry of Rural Development indicates that nearly 60% of SHG members have taken on leadership roles within their groups, and about 40% have engaged in community decision-making processes beyond their immediate SHG activities. This involvement is pivotal in challenging traditional gender roles and promoting gender parity in leadership at the community level.
Comparative Analysis: SHG Members vs. Non-Members
Economic Participation: SHG members tend to have higher participation rates in the labour market. A quantitative study by the World Bank notes that labour force participation is 10% higher among SHG members than non-members. This statistic reflects the confidence and capability gained from regular SHG meetings and training sessions.
Financial Independence: Financial literacy rates are markedly higher among SHG members. A survey by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) observed that 85% of SHG members had basic financial literacy against 58% of non-members. This literacy enables them to better manage their finances and make informed decisions about savings, loans, and investments.
Social Status and Decision-Making: SHG membership is associated with enhanced status within the community and greater influence in household decision-making. Data from a qualitative study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)Â shows that women in SHGs report greater respect and authority, both within their families and communities, as compared to non-members.
The data consistently illustrates that Self-Help Groups are not just economic interventions but are transformative social instruments that elevate women's status across multiple dimensions. By empowering women economically and financially, and catalysing their leadership potential, SHGs are making significant strides towards achieving gender equality in India. Their success underscores the necessity of supporting and scaling such initiatives to ensure more women can benefit from these transformative networks.
At Rang De, many of our impact partner organizations are self-helf groups who help us in reaching women farmers, rural entrepreneurs and artisans.
Your social investment through Rang De too can play a role in enabling better incomes for women in rural India. Make a social investment today at rangde.in!Â