SELF HELP GROUPS AND WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Traditionally, women are believed to be a ‘guarantor’ of the household in times of economic crisis. However, despite their importance in the economy, women are disadvantaged, financially excluded and virtually marginalized vis-à-vis men in the society. Several studies conducted at national and international levels reveal that one of the good ways to empower women is to encourage them to develop the skills of entrepreneurship which may lead to financial inclusion and bring them to the mainstream of the society. Here again we find that the present world of entrepreneurs is dominated by men. In this context micro-finance through self help groups can work as a powerful tool to empower women by inculcating the entrepreneurial skill among women. SHG’s have made women economically independent and become effective approach of financial inclusion. Government and Cooperative promoted SHG members have not invested much micro credit on agriculture & related IGA’s due to lack of land and support from their respective promoters.