Catalysts of Change: The Role of Self-Help Groups in Empowering Women in Kanchipuram District

Abstract

SHG is agents for change that focuses on the problem of rural women and providing them with solutions to bring socioeconomic change. Using the nature of change it brought on women’s self-confidence, speech, decision-making powers, financial freedom and social status, this study examines the transformative nature of SHGs in Kanchipuram District. To evaluate the replies given and to search for remarkable trends, the current study applies a percentage analysis technique on an SHG member sample of 150. The findings of the study show that self-help groups enable women to deal with challenges in their daily endeavours by enhancing assertiveness, interpersonal, negotiation and problem solving skills. In its own way, the study also management s on how formation of SHG increases the standard of living through savings candidature and revenues. Also, the organizations put into practice respect and recognition of women, thus, raising the standards of women’s role in families and communities. That is why the study points out those SHGs may fill in the gaps in the rural development through supporting forums for groups’ development and assistance. These clubs are revenue sources alongside the fact that they act as social and educational as well as skill development forums for women from Kanchipuram District. Several studies show that SHGs provide positive evidence for the women’s development by altering their lives and paving the way forward. This study contains some valuable data about multifaceted impacts of self-help groups as it brings a rich experience of how efficiently self-help groups work as the agents of change in the rural areas for women, who would like to change themselves and the society for the better.