Examining the Role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Women Empowerment during Socio-Economic Crisis: A Comparative Study of Gujarat (India) and Germany

Abstract

The paper will analyse how Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can empower women in times of socio-economic crises using a comparative case of Gujarat (a state in India) and Germany. The study examines the economic, social, and decision making aspects of empowerment of SHG members based on primary data collected using structured questionnaires. There is a comparative and analytical research design where the descriptive and inferential statistics methods are employed to assess the effects of SHG participation. The results indicate that SHGs have a prominent positive impact on financial independence of women as they increase the level of income, savings and assets, and reinforce the role of women in social participation and decision making. Also, SHGs are important sources of support in socio-economic crises in terms of resilience, economic stability, and solidarity. Nevertheless, the institutional structures and socio-cultural settings differ between Gujarat and Germany, which account for the differences. The paper also emphasizes context-based strategies to ensure that SHGs are effective tools of empowering women.