Access to Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment: A Case Study

Abstract

This chapter attempted to understand the outcome of microcredit linkage by using primary data collected from the participants of self-help group (SHG) program promoted by Sreema Mahila Samity in two districts of West Bengal. The organization is pioneered in promoting in the SHG-bank linkage program with an aim to improve the economic well-being of its members and to generate sociopolitical awareness. Microfinance is a tool which benefitted rural women immensely to uplift economically. Examining the evidence on some key indicators, it is observed that a change of approach and the necessity of a strategy to make women truly empowered. Based on the empirical evidence, it clearly indicates a general increase in women empowerment for the members of SHG. The majority of the groups are linked with the help of NGOs, which provide support in financial services and specialized training and have a greater ability to make a positive impact on women empowerment. However, the participation of woman in the SHG program does not contribute same degree of empowerment.