Advancement and empowerment of women has been a leading objective of state policy ever since the attainment of Independence in 1947. Institutions of different types—Central, State and Local Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society and other bodies—are active to ensure gender equality as laid down in the Constitution of India.

The underway Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) of India recognizes women, for the first time, not just as equal citizens but as agents of economic and social growth. The Plan’s approach to gender equity is based on the recognition that interventions in favour of women must be multi-pronged and that they must be provided with basic entitlements.

Self-help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as an effective instrument to promote entrepreneurship and self-confidence among women, particularly in rural areas. The Self-help Group (SHG)-Bank Linkage Programme, since 1992 has become a well-known tool for bankers, developmental agencies and even for corporate houses.

This book provides a vivid account of the various measures taken by the Government of India for the economic, social and political empowerment of women. More importantly, it examines the role of SHGs in women’s development, thereby envisaging a synthesis of formal financial system and informal sector.

Dr. A. Abdul Raheem is Assistant Professor and Research Advisor, Post-graduate and Research Department of Economics, The New College (Autonomous), University of Madras, Chennai.

He did his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu. With more than 13 years of teaching experience and 11 years of research experience, Dr. Raheem has contributed numerous research articles in national and international journals of repute including Journal of International Forum of Information and Documentation, Netherlands, and International Journal of Commerce and Business Management. Recently, he completed a research project on “Women SHGs and Their Sustainability” funded by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. His areas of research interest include micro finance, rural development and women empowerment.