Abstract
Women’s empowerment is a crucial component of inclusive development. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as an effective strategy for enhancing women’s socio-economic and political status, particularly in rural areas. This study evaluates the impact of SHGs on women’s empowerment using primary data collected from 95 respondents. A paired sample t-test was applied to measure differences in empowerment indicators before and after joining SHGs. The results reveal statistically significant improvement in income levels, savings habits, decision-making power, and political participation. The study concludes that SHGs play a transformative role in empowering women and promoting grassroots democracy.
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Reyom Ete
PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Dr. Dipoungpau Kamei
Research Supervisor, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
Received: 14-12-2025, Accepted: 09-01-2026, Published Online: 23-01-2026