Role of Self-Help Groups in Women Empowerment in Hamirpur Block of Himachal Pradesh
Author(s): 1. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, 2. Bhawna Sharma
Authors Affiliations:
Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, NSCBM Government College Hamirpur (H.P)
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202609004 | Paper ID: IJRCS202609004Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as an important means of promoting women’s economic and social empowerment, particularly in rural areas. The present study examines the role of SHGs in empowering women in Hamirpur Block of Himachal Pradesh. The study is based on primary data collected from 50 women SHG members through a structured questionnaire. Frequency and percentage methods are used to analyse savings, credit access, income, employment, financial independence, family decision-making, confidence, social status and awareness of government schemes. The findings show that SHGs have positively contributed to women’s empowerment. About 92 per cent of respondents reported regular savings, 78 per cent had availed SHG loans, and 80 per cent experienced an increase in income. Further, 84 per cent contributed financially to their families, 76 per cent participated in family decision-making, and 86 per cent reported improved confidence. About 82 per cent reported improvements in both their standard of living and social status. The study concludes that SHGs strengthen women’s financial security, economic participation, confidence and decision-making capacity. However, greater efforts are needed to improve awareness of government schemes among SHG members.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Bhawna Sharma (2026); Role of Self-Help Groups in Women’s Empowerment in Hamirpur Block of Himachal Pradesh, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 10, Issue – 9, Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
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