A Comparative Analysis of Socio-Economic Empowerment among Tribal Women SHG Members and Non-Members in Gujarat, India
Khushboo Kumari
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India and College of Agribusiness Management, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, India.
Laxmi R. Dubey
College of Agribusiness Management, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, India.
Dilip R. Vahoniya
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India.
Bhautik Bagda
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India.
Samir Sen
College of Food Processing Technology and Bio-Energy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India.
Niraj Kumar
*
Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play an important role in enhancing socio-economic empowerment among rural and tribal women by improving access to credit, skills, and livelihood opportunities. However, tribal women still face constraints such as limited education, financial services, and institutional support. This study analyzed and compared the socio-economic empowerment of tribal women SHG members and non-members in Gujarat using an ex-post facto research design. A total of 160 respondents (80 SHG members and 80 non-members) were selected through multistage purposive sampling from Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts during 2024-2025. Data were collected through personal interviews and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and composite empowerment indices. The results showed that SHG members had relatively better socio-economic characteristics compared to non-members. Economic empowerment analysis based on percentage scores indicated higher values among SHG members in housing (76.25%), household assets (68.75%), savings (67.71%), expenditure (66.88%), and income (61.25%), while non-members showed relatively higher dependence on loans. Similarly, social empowerment scores were higher among SHG members in self-confidence (75.00%), skills (73.75%), social awareness (72.92%), and access to services (55.92%) compared to non-members. The mean economic and social empowerment indices were also higher for SHG members than non-members. However, the study is limited to selected districts and sample size. Overall, SHG participation significantly enhances both economic and social empowerment of tribal women. Strengthening SHG programmes and extending institutional support can further promote inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Keywords: Self-Help Groups (SHGs), tribal women, socio-economic empowerment, economic empowerment index, social empowerment