Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Groups in Tiruvannamalai

Micro- finance through Self Help Groups (SHG) has been recognized internationally as the modern tool to combat
poverty and for rural development. When micro- finance is extended to people, especially women, along with
supporting activities like training, raw materials supply and marketing of products, it makes women as microentrepreneurs
in rural areas. In addition to empowerment, it results in economic development of the family. The SHG
becomes matured and sustainable when the members, as a team achieve the goals and aspirations. The members are
able to face conflicts, challenges and constraints with their courage, confidence and empowerment. For any strategic
approach to be sustainable, it is important to track the deficiencies and constraints for making necessary corrections,
adjustments at the policy level and also implementation levels.