Significance of Self-help Groups (SHGS) in Promoting Women Empowerment and Economic Development: A Review of Kudumbashree Mission in Kerala

Abstract

 Women’s empowerment is one of the most significant aspects of
socio-economic, political and cultural development in any country. Many ways are available to achieve this goal, and one way is through Self-Help Groups. The role of women in India has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional roles both in urban and rural India, due to economic support from public and private authorities boosting the entrepreneurship models. Women have become society’s backbone, and their contributions must be acknowledged and valued. The societal position of women in India in household, culture, religion, and demographic indicators play a significant role for earners and homemakers. The current study focuses on exploring the contributions of self-help groups in promoting the growth and development of an economy and it makes an effort to critically examine the Kudumbashree mission, which is a poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM), of the government of Kerala. Initiated in 1998, the Kudumbashree Mission aims to create a comprehensive platform for women’s empowerment through a network of SHGs, focusing on poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, and self-reliance. The study highlights the key achievements of the Kudumbashree Mission, including the formation of a vast network of SHGs, financial inclusion through microcredit, and the provision of skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities. By empowering women at the grassroots level, the mission
has not only improved household incomes but also contributed to community development and enhanced women’s participation in decision-making processes. The Kudumbashree Mission exemplifies how strategic empowerment programs can drive substantial economic and social changes, offering valuable insights for similar initiatives worldwide.