Women Empowerment Through Self Help Groups: A Study in Rural Assam with Special Reference to Dhalpukhuri Development Block of Hojai District

Abstract

Women's empowerment is a critical component of rural development, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have developed as an important mechanism for increasing socio-economic independence among women. In Assam, notably in the Dhalpukhuri Development Block in Hojai district, SHGs have had a revolutionary impact on rural women's livelihoods, confidence, and status. This study examines numerous socio-economic factors to determine how SHGs contribute to women's empowerment in this region. The research uses primary data collected through field surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to assess the influence of SHG membership on decision-making, income production, social mobility, and overall empowerment. The findings confirm that SHGs have considerably contributed to rural women's empowerment, despite constraints such as limited market access, lack of training, and patriarchal norms