• Dr.V.LAKSHMI
• FOUSHIBA P K M

This study examines the role of ESAF Small finance Bank in empowering rural women, with a focus on its Ponnani branch. In rural India, women often face significant barriers to accessing financial resources due to gender discrimination, lack of collateral, and limited financial literacy. ESAF Small Finance, through its various loan and savings schemes, has been instrumental in addressing these challenges. The primary objective of the study is to analyse the impact of ESAF’s financial services on the socio-economic status and empowerment of women beneficiaries. The research is based on a sample of 50 female clients of the Ponnani branch, using both primary data collected through structured questionnaires and secondary data sourced from past research and reports. The study employs percentage analysis and chi-square tests to assess changes in saving habits, economic participation, and socio-economic status.. The study provides insights into the effectiveness of microfinance in enhancing women’s financial inclusion and socio-economic development in rural India

ESAF Small Finance, Women Empowerment, Rural Women, Financial Inclusion, Socio-Economic Status, Small Finance, Empowerment

"ROLE OF ESAF SMALL FINANCE BANK FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PONNANI BRANCH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no.e721-e726, August-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508496.pdf

"ROLE OF ESAF SMALL FINANCE BANK FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PONNANI BRANCH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no. ppe721-e726, August-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508496.pdf