An Analysis of Socio-Economic Barriers Faced by Women in Self-Help Groups in Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n5.006Keywords:
Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Women Empowerment, Socio-Economic Challenges, Economic competition, Social barriersAbstract
This paper investigates the challenges faced by members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, focusing on the socio-economic factors contributing to their difficulties. It highlights the crucial role of societal development in determining the quality of life, with access to basic services reflecting an individual’s or group’s status. The paradox of women's status in modern India is examined, noting the progress women have made in various fields, while also acknowledging the enduring social and familial challenges they face. Despite these advancements, SHG members, particularly women, continue to confront a range of issues, including intensified economic competition and the need for enhanced skills in entrepreneurship, decision-making, and financial management. The study reveals that SHG members experience several difficulties, such as financial instability, business and marketing challenges, internal conflicts within the groups, loan defaults, and broader social issues. The paper concludes by emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions to help SHG members overcome these barriers and improve their socio-economic conditions.
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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
