IMPACT OF MICRO FINANCE TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN SELF HELP GROUPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO COIMBATORE DISTRICT

­­ In olden days Indian women were mainly rendering services to the family members particularly to the husband and children. So women were not allowed to go outside for earning income. In most areas they were not allowed even to go for higher education. At present women contribute much for the development of all sectors of the country. Employment gives economic status to women. SHGs are considered as the main channel for generating income to the women in all areas particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The growth of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is evidence of the fact that women are coming out of their shells, shunning their secondary citizen status and are using their potentialities and talents for individual and societal benefits.