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Abstract
Microfinance is a type of banking service that is provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have no other means of gaining financial services. Micro finance through Self Help Group (SHG) has been recognized internationally as the modem tool to combat poverty and for rural development. Micro finance and SHGs are effective in reducing poverty, empowering women and creating awareness which finally results in sustainable development of the nation. The main aim of microfinance is to empower women. Empowerment of women is one of very important issue in developing countries. As women are integral part of society, her status and participation in decision making as well as economic activities is very low. Microfinance plays role in improving women decision making by contributing in economic activities. In this study an attempt is made to explore the socio economic determinants of women empowerment in which microfinance is crucial economic determinant. Microfinance is major explanatory variable in this study has some positive role in empowerment but not as much as was expected. It is suggested that education facilities and family protection must be provided in proper way. Microfinance institutions should strengthen and expand their support to resource poor women.
Keywords : economic determinant, self-confidence, self-esteem
Introduction
The year 1975 was declared as a 'year for women'. Also, the decade from 1975 to 1985 was declared as a 'decade for women'. During this period, the movement for empowerment of women received a fillip. The importance of role of women, which consists 50% of the society, was highlighted in this span of period. It was emphasized that woman should get the same opportunities as that to men.
The year 2001 was declared as a 'year of women empowerment'. Efforts were being made in the direction that women should have a role in all walks of life; and special provisions should be made in the budget for activities related to the development of women. Many schemes were planned and started to be executed, at government level, in respect of women education, laws regarding prevention of atrocities on women, their participation in economic and political spheres etc. At this juncture, SHG movement also started and in a way journey towards women empowerment began. Empowerment is...