Self Help Groups can help in widening women’s labour force participation: Substantiate?

 Although women constitute almost half of India’s population of 1.2 billion, they are largely excluded from participating in economic activities and decision-making, as well as access to resources of health, nutrition, education, etc. This exclusion and discrimination is reflected in low female labour force participation rates, with India recording a meagre 22.3% in 2021 in comparison with 30.3% in 1990.

working women account for approximately 432 million, about 343 million are not in paid formal job roles or work. An estimated 324 million of them are not in the labour force; and another 19 million are part of the labour force but not employed.Hence, the nature of employment among women is either not accounted for in the formal economy, or women end up not having access to formal jobs due to existent socio-cultural complexities. As a society with deep-rooted patriarchy, even if women want to attain employment, the dominant tradition of female domestic responsibility coupled with social stigma limits their economic advancement and access to opportunities in comparison with their male equivalents

In such a scenario, self-help groups (SHG) can act as a bridge between women entrepreneurs who have the will to begin an enterprise but do not have the resources to fulfil their dream, and the finances needed for it.

An SHG comprises a small group of women who come together to make regular monetary contributions. Emerging as important micro-finance systems, SHGs work as platforms that promote solidarity among women, bringing them together on issues of health, nutrition, gender parity and gender justice. SHGs have already made a significant contribution in developing entrepreneurship aptitudes among rural women by enhancing their skills and giving them a chance to engage in various entrepreneurial activities.

Self Help Groups (SHGs) have indeed played a significant role in widening women's labor force participation in various Indian states. Here are a few examples to substantiate this:

1. Kerala: The Kudumbashree initiative in Kerala is one of the largest women's empowerment programs in India. It has been successful in promoting women's participation in the labor force through SHGs. Kudumbashree provides skill training, access to credit, and income-generating opportunities to women. It has enabled women to engage in various sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, food processing, and retail, thereby expanding their labor force participation.

2. Andhra Pradesh: The Velugu project implemented in Andhra Pradesh has focused on empowering rural women through SHGs. Velugu has created a platform for women to develop entrepreneurial skills, access credit facilities, and engage in income-generating activities. This has led to the emergence of women-led enterprises, such as dairy farming, tailoring units, and small-scale manufacturing, enhancing their participation in the labor force.

3. Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women (TNCDW) has been instrumental in promoting women's economic empowerment through SHGs. TNCDW provides skill development training, credit support, and marketing assistance to women entrepreneurs. This has facilitated women's entry into diverse sectors, including agriculture, livestock rearing, textile production, and handicrafts, contributing to increased labor force participation.

4. Rajasthan: The Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RGAVP) has implemented various programs to enhance women's participation in the labor force. Through SHGs, RGAVP offers training, financial support, and market linkages to rural women. These initiatives have resulted in the establishment of women-led enterprises, such as dairy farming, poultry, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises, leading to expanded labor force participation.

5. Assam: The Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) has been instrumental in promoting women's economic empowerment through SHGs. ASRLM provides skill training, credit facilities, and market access to women entrepreneurs. This has led to the growth of women-led enterprises in sectors like agriculture, handloom weaving, handicrafts, and food processing, encouraging higher labor force participation.

 To boost the participation of women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, the government has introduced a plethora of schemes, such as the Mudra Yojana, Udyogini Scheme, Annapurna Scheme and Stand Up India.

These examples highlight how Self Help Groups have facilitated women's entry into the labor force by providing them with necessary skills, financial support, and market linkages. SHGs have empowered women, enabled them to start their businesses, and contributed to their economic independence and societal recognition.