THE ROLE OF SELF-HELP GROUPS IN ADVANCING WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Abstract [English]

In recent years, uplifting women in various spheres has become a key priority in both developed and developing nations. As a result, the governments of different countries have placed a strong emphasis on women's empowerment. Since women constitute half of the population, their potential to significantly contribute to national development cannot be overlooked. India has adopted the Bangladesh model of Self-help Groups (SHGs), and it’s prominently operating in different parts of India, including the Northeastern states.
The core principle of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is to empower women by enhancing their skills, promoting sustainable income generation, and providing access to microcredit, yet in the state's patriarchal structure, the condition of women remains similar to that in the rest of the country, and Arunachal is no different. Women's concerns on various issues affecting them and society as a whole have not received adequate attention. At present, only 5 out of 60 seats in the State Legislative Assembly of Arunachal are held by women, making up a very low 5% representation in state politics. Furthermore, it is widely recognized that the first step to empowering women is economic independence, which will eventually lead to social and political empowerment, which is missing in this situation. This paper will attempt to examine the contribution of SHGs in bridging the gap of gender inequalities in rural areas of Arunachal Pradesh.