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@article{180720,
        author = {ANIL MS and Laveena Dmello},
        title = {Women’s Participation in Self-Help Groups: A Pathway to Financial Independence},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {1},
        pages = {2469-2481},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=180720},
        abstract = {Purpose: Self-help groups (SHGs) have gained 
recognition as effective instruments for advancing 
women's empowerment and financial autonomy, 
especially in developing nations. This paper investigates 
the link between women’s participation in SHGs and 
their 
progression toward financial independence. 
Drawing upon international and regional research, it 
examines how SHGs facilitate income generation, skills 
training, financial literacy, and the development of 
social capital. The paper also explores institutional and 
structural challenges that can limit SHG effectiveness 
and underscores the need for robust policy support. 
Furthermore, it assesses the contributions of non
governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering and 
sustaining SHG-based initiatives aimed at women’s 
empowerment. The study also delves into how SHG 
participation 
enhances women’s decision-making 
capacities within households and communities and 
whether the financial benefits gained are sustainable. 
Research Design: This research adopts a descriptive 
approach, primarily relying on secondary data from 
scholarly databases. It includes in-depth reviews and 
research articles on SHG participation and women’s 
financial empowerment. 
Findings: The study reveals that SHGs significantly 
contribute to women's financial independence by 
promoting income-generating activities, enhancing 
financial awareness, and strengthening social networks. 
It 
also highlights the growing role of NGOs in 
reinforcing SHG structures and enabling women’s 
active participation in economic processes at the 
grassroots level. 
Originality and Value: This study's unique contribution 
lies in its integrated literature-based analysis of how 
NGOs support and enhance the role of SHGs as tools for 
women's financial empowerment. It provides valuable 
recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders 
engaged in rural development and gender equity 
initiatives. 
Paper Type: This is a literature review based on a 
systematic analysis of scholarly articles and reports 
accessed through national and international academic 
databases. It focuses on SHGs and the role of NGOs in 
promoting women’s economic and social empowerment.},
        keywords = {Self-Help Groups, Women’s Empowerment,  Financial Independence, Microfinance, Women’s  Participation,  Rural  Empowerment.},
        month = {June},
        }