Self-Help Groups: Rural Economic Development and the Role of Women

DOI: https://doie.org/10.10399/APER.2026547329

Authors:

Tanisha Jain, Dr. Tara Trivedi

Keywords:

Rural Economic Development, Self-Help Groups, Role of Women, Microfinance, Women Empowerment

Abstract:

Progress of the rural population is essential to the development of any state. The development of rural areas is influenced by education, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructures and social structure. The idea of rural development is of utmost importance in a developing country such as India where the majority of people lives in the rural areas. True development can only come about through the proper development of rural areas. The rural development includes physical, technological, socio-economic and economic factors. This process is intended to enhance the social, cultural, political, environmental and economic lives of the poor people residing in rural areas. The availability of physical resources is not the only factor that determines development rather, the capabilities and skills of men and women also play a role. Microfinance-based promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has had beneficial impacts on women. Access to credit has been found to be an important factor in reducing vulnerability of poor women, giving them control over assets, increasing self-esteem and increasing knowledge.

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