International Research Journal of Education and Technology

In view of the fact that researchers have been done many researches among women and Self Help Group but this study is quite different from usual, Several women development programs like the Self Help Group Bank Linkage Program in India have been increasingly promoted for their constructive economic impact and the belief that to empower women in the society. The present paper is an attempt to analyze the impact of self−help groups on women empowerment in Minjur and Sholavaram Blocks of Tiruvallur District, Tamilnadu. The study uses various indicators like women’s household financial autonomy, political participation, decision−making power and freedom of financial contribution. The data required for the study collected through the distribution of structured questionnaire to 200 SHGs women members. The study reveals that women members were economically empowered and their political participation is less than economical with the help of SHGs. They have taken control over their loans and there are able to manage them; participated in purchase decisions in the group and pricing of final products in the SHG and also at home; their self−confidence and mobility have improved; taking better care of their family socially and economically; they feel that their economic problems at home have came down. The study concludes that SHGs women members in Minjur and Sholavaram Blocks of Tiruvallur District, Tamilnadu, have empowered with the help of SHG.

KEYWORDS: Self Help Groups, Women & Empowerment, Microfinance, Social, Political and Economical.