Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Self-help groups (SHGs) in India are increasingly recognized as catalysts for economic and social empowerment among women, significantly influencing their participation and autonomy in voting processes. Historically marginalized, rural women have found a voice and leverage through SHGs, which have evolved since their inception in the late 1960s. These groups, once struggling to secure bank loans and establish small businesses, now stand at the forefront of India’s socio-economic change, driving both personal and community growth.
The National Rural and Urban Livelihood Mission (NRLM) along with various microfinance institutions are now actively supporting SHGs, acknowledging their reliability and consistent loan repayment records. Women, through SHGs, have gained access to credit and have ventured into small enterprises and agriculture, improving not only their economic condition but also integrating into national retail chains and enhancing productivity.
SHGs have also played a crucial role in community-based training, essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, by mobilizing grassroots workers and supporting women in managing finances, health, and gender equality initiatives. According to Neha Juneja, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, these groups are ‘a thriving asset class that deserves robust financial support.’
Political awareness among women has been a gradual but steady achievement facilitated by SHGs. Women are now well-informed about the developmental priorities of their communities and are proactive in addressing the gender gap. This shift is evident as women frequently discuss voting preferences within their SHGs rather than being influenced by familial or patriarchal decisions.
