Dynamics of Women Self Help Groups in Punjab

Women self-help groups are formed as an instrument of empowerment to bring qualitative changes in their lives. Findings from the study conducted in Punjab state on 400 Women Self Help Groups (WSHG’s) found one-third group having discontinued within five years of registration and majority being dormant with only one fifth having few members involved in income generation activities. Majority had no gap between formation and registration time and were not regularly conducting meetings of the group members. Status of the group was positively and significantly related to both period between formation and registration and frequency of meetings. It was suggested that group approach need to be revisited in social context for attaining the goal of women empowerment.