Self Help Groups an Empowerment and Financial Model for Women in Nadia District, West Bengal

Women empowerment is a widely discussed idea all over the world. Scholars have defined the concept by explaining its dimensions including economic, socio-cultural, familial/interpersonal, legal, and political aspects, as well as psychological well being of individuals, groups and communities. The literature points out that empowerment of women is possible by providing them with economic independence, increased well being and social and political development. This is possible by giving them access to saving and credit which promotes greater economic role in decision-making, optimising household's welfare, improving women's skills, mobility, knowledge, and support networks (Basu, 2006). To tackle the problem of poverty and enable the community to improve its quality of life, "Self Help Groups" came into picture as an empowerment and financial model which particularly aimed to mobilise women in rural areas. The main objective of the paper is to throw light on self help groups operating in the rural set up of Village Balindi Baishpukur, Haringhata block, Nadia District, West Bengal. It aims to overview whether these groups act as an empowerment or financial model for the women in this particular District.