“Impact of Socio-Economic Empowerment through Self Help Groups: A Study of Women in Varanasi District”

Abstract

This research paper explores the socio-economic empowerment of women in Uttar Pradesh, with a specific focus on Varanasi District, through the lens of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The study examines how these groups contribute to the socio-economic development of women, addressing both their working patterns and the transformative effects on their knowledge, skills and overall empowerment. What sets this research apart is its concentrated investigation into the impact of SHGs in a culturally and economically diverse region like Varanasi. By leveraging both primary and secondary data sources, and employing statistical tools such as Percentages, Simple Average, and Mean, the study aims to provide a detailed and contextually relevant analysis of SHGs' role in enhancing women's empowerment. The research employs a sample of 560 respondents from various blocks in Varanasi, focusing on 100 respondents for detailed data extraction. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of the effectiveness and challenges of SHGs in a specific socio-cultural setting, contributing valuable insights to the broader discourse on women's empowerment in rural India.