Empowerment of Rural Women Through Shgs

EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN THROUGH SELF HELP GROUPS

- EXPERIENCE OF BAIF

Dr. N.G. Hegde

BAIF Development Research Foundation

Pune 411 029

Rural Problems

With a one billion population, India represents 16.7% of the world’s population. The country has witnessed a three fold increase in population over the last half a century but the economy has not been able to cope up with this rate of growth. Being heavily dependent on agriculture, livelihood in rural areas could not provide employment for everyone. In the absence of significant industrial growth, there has been severe unemployment and underemployment, resulting in poverty. For most of the poor, fight for survival has been a life long mission and natural resources have been the main source of livelihood.

During this long struggle, women have suffered the most. They have to cope up with day-to-day basic needs such as fetching water, collecting fodder and fuel, grinding foodgrains and nursing their children and sick, apart from attending to livestock and agriculture chores. Most of the rural women have been suffering from various ailments due to malnutrition, unsafe water, lack of sanitation, exertion and neglect. They are deprived of basic education and confined to their houses. In spite of their significant role in supporting the family, women in many regions have no status in the society. They are treated as idle, despite their work schedule stretching throughout the day. They are not expected to participate in decision making and even to express their opinion on matters concerning themselves.

The important role of women in the welfare of the family is being realised gradually. As the socio-economic progress of the community has a direct link with the empowerment of women, the development programmes for women are receiving greater attention. The task now is to ensure effective participation of women in sustainable development of the community.

Role...