Personal and Economic Empowerment in Rural Indian Women

Abstract

The present study examined the empowerment of women by addressing two dimensions: economic empowerment and personal empowerment. One hundred women, aged between 16 and 65 years, participating in self-help groups from two rural Indian villages in North-West India took part in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through self-report surveys and interviews, with the analysis yielding contradictory findings. The quantitative data found that working women reported moderate to high levels on collective efficacy, proactive attitude, self-esteem and self-efficacy with no significant reporting of psychological distress. In contrast, examination of the qualitative data revealed positive appraisals of self-worth, purpose and independence and negative appraisals of pressure, challenge and stress. The implications of these findings and the importance of this study are discussed.

Impact of Microfinance on Women Empowerment: An Empirical Evidence from Andhra Pradesh

“…Aruna and Jyothirmayi [24] revealed that microfinance had significant influence on economic position. Moyle et al [26] found that women in income generating activities give support to economic empowerment. Though our study has not considered economic position as indicator of women empowerment but economic security also develops from better economic position.…”

“…According to Moyle et al [26], women in income generating activities give support to personal and economic empowerment. Another study conducted by Nader [27] found that microcredit improved health and harmony in the family.…”

The impact of NABARD's Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme on poverty and empowerment in India

“…Studies, such as Nair (2005), Moyle, Dollard, and Biswas (2006) and Chakrabarti (2004), have assessed many issues, for instance, the role of SHG federations in providing sustainability of SHGs, the economic and personal empowerment of women and the role of microfinance in poverty eradication.…”

Impact of Self Help Groups on the Food Security and Non-Food Consumption of Weaker Sections of the Society

“…Moyle, Dollard and Biswas (2006) and EDA Rural System and APMAS, (2006) discussed mainly various socio-economic parameters of SHG members related to the situation during pre-SHG and post-SHG periods. Further, Khandker (2005) applying panel methods (using a 1999 resurvey) concludes that microcredit benefits the 'very poor' even more than the 'moderately poor'.…”