Empowering Rural Women Through Financial Inclusion: The Impact of Self-Help Groups
Yadlapalli Santhipriya1*, B. Vijayalakshmi2
Abstract
This study explores the efficacy of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as channel for financial empowerment among rural women. By examining the accessibility and utilization of savings account, credit facilities, and insurance products among SHG members, this research seeks to understand the extent to which these financial services have been harnessed to improve their financial wellbeing. Furthermore, the study investigates the transformative impact of SHG participation on financial management practices, budgeting, and savings behaviour. The findings of this research are expected to aim to clarify the role of SHGs in fostering financial inclusion among rural women by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the current SHG model, policymakers and development partitioners can implement targeted interventions to enhance financial literacy, access to credit, and insurance coverage. Moreover, the study outcomes can inform the design of sustainable financial products and services tailored to the specific needs of rural women. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on women’s empowerment and financial inclusion by providing empirical evidence of the impact of SHGs.
Keywords:
Self Help Groups, financial inclusion, rural women, savings account, credit insurance, financial management, budgeting, savings behaviour, women’s empowerment.
