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Transforming rural women’s lives in India: the impact of microfinance and entrepreneurship on empowerment in Self-Help Groups

Author

Listed:
  • Ashwini Pandhare

    (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)

  • Praveen Naik Bellampalli

    (Central University of Karnataka)

  • Neelam Yadava

    (Tata Institute of Social Sciences)

Abstract

The study investigates how microfinance interventions and the entrepreneurial engagement of Self-Help Group (SHGs) members impact women’s social and economic empowerment in rural communities. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights gathered through surveys, interviews, and case studies. The study’s findings demonstrated a notably positive and moderately significant impact of microfinance and entrepreneurial engagement on the social, economic, and psychological dimensions of women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the inclusion of case studies provided evidence that microfinance activities and entrepreneurship involvement have substantially empowered women across various domains, such as increasing financial independence, enhancing participation in decision-making processes, fostering social networks and support, and boosting their overall self-confidence and well-being. These insights emphasise the transformative potential of microfinance initiatives in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in diverse socio-economic contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashwini Pandhare & Praveen Naik Bellampalli & Neelam Yadava, 2024. "Transforming rural women’s lives in India: the impact of microfinance and entrepreneurship on empowerment in Self-Help Groups," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:13:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-024-00419-y
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-024-00419-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ranjula Bali Swain & Fan Yang Wallentin, 2012. "Factors empowering women in Indian self-help group programs," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(4), pages 425-444, April.
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    5. Shagufta Tariq Khan & Mohd Abass Bhat & Mohi-Ud-Din Sangmi, 2022. "Can microfinance-backed entrepreneurship be a holistic empowerment tool for women? Empirical evidence from Kashmir Valley, India," Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 2(2), pages 117-136, January.
    6. Dina Modestus Nziku & Colette Henry, 2020. "Policies for supporting women entrepreneurs in developing countries: the case of Tanzania," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 10(1), pages 38-58, December.
    7. Deininger, Klaus & Liu, Yanyan, 2013. "Economic and Social Impacts of an Innovative Self-Help Group Model in India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 149-163.
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