Women entrepreneurship and empowerment in India: An analysis concerning (self-help groups) SHGs in Darjeeling

Abstract

In recent decades, women's entrepreneurship and empowerment in India have experienced substantial progress, particularly through the development of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This study examines the impact of SHG participation on women's empowerment via entrepreneurship in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 60 women SHG members engaged in entrepreneurship within the Rangit-II Gram Panchayat of the Darjeeling Pulbazar Block. These findings indicate that SHG participation significantly enhances women's income levels and overall empowerment across various dimensions. Before joining SHGs, 50% of the respondents reported a monthly income below Rs. 5000, whereas post-participation, 70% reported a monthly income ranging from Rs. 5000 to 10000. Additionally, 50% of the respondents experienced high levels of social empowerment, 40% reported substantial economic empowerment, 50% indicated significant entrepreneurial empowerment, and 40% experienced notable technological empowerment. Overall, 70% of the respondents felt highly empowered through their involvement in SHGs. Statistical analyses confirmed the significant positive effect of SHG participation on income levels, the association between income and overall empowerment, and a strong positive correlation among the various dimensions of empowerment. The study concludes that SHGs are an effective mechanism for promoting women's entrepreneurship and empowerment in the Darjeeling region while also emphasizing the need for further enhancements to benefit all participants.