• Dr. L. Nirmala
• T. Sivasakthi

Self-help is a small voluntary association of usually not exceeding 15 to 20 local people who are financially weak and from the same socio economic background. The main purpose of such an association is to enable members to gain economic benefits out of mutual help, solidarity and social responsibility. This study has explored the pre and post status of self help group women, impact of self help group on the women empowerment and the constraints faced by self help group women. It is a tool to alleviate poverty and improve the women entrepreneurship and financial support for those, who are live in poor socioeconomic status. The women empowerment is important for the development of the nation. Women empowerment is a process in which women challenge the existing custom and culture, to effectively promote their well being. The present paper examines the impact of Self Help Group on women empowerment. The study was conducted in Kodikulam village of Samayanallur block, of Madurai district, TamilNadu. Primary data was collected through structured interview schedule from 30 respondents of two self help groups, 15 each from the selected group. The study concluded that the SHGs have a significant positive impact on women empowerment. The major findings of this study indicated that the vast majority of the shelf help group women gain improvement in their self confidence, leadership quality, problem solving ability, social recognition after joined in self help group. They had knowledge on latest technologies in agricultural and allied sciences and bank activities. They also had health awareness. There is a positive impact of Self Help Groups on Women empowerment. The SHG ensures the provision for sustainable livelihood of women and the development of a country.

Shelf Help Group, Women, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship

"CHALLENGES OF WOMEN AND GROUP APPROACH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 8, page no.1240-1243, August-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRA006216.pdf

"CHALLENGES OF WOMEN AND GROUP APPROACH", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 8, page no. pp1240-1243, August-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRA006216.pdf