Women's Empowerment and Microcredit Programmes in India: The Possibilities and Limitations of Self-Help Groups

Women's Empowerment and Microcredit Programs in India explores the value of microcredit-based self-help groups (SHGs) for women in India and provides an alternative model for womens empowerment programming. The book argues that the microcredit sector is key to whether it helps or harms women, with some arguing that it is exploitative and others contending that it is empowering. It takes a nuanced view of the complexities surrounding self-help group programming and womens empowerment and argues that the model of microcredit self-help group programming is key to whether it helps or harms women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Women's Empowerment and Microcredit Programs in India delves into the significance of microcredit-based self-help groups (SHGs) for women in India, presenting an alternative model for women's empowerment programming. The global microcredit sector continues to flourish, attracting significant investments from private investors, governments, and multilateral financial institutions. India is a notable example, with recent deregulatory measures further propelling the industry's growth. The rationale behind increased investment in microcredit is often linked to the notion of empowering women. However, the debate surrounding the effectiveness of microcredit programs for women remains intense, with some arguing that they can be exploitative and others advocating for their empowering nature.

This book offers fresh insights into women's empowerment and microcredit programming, exploring themes such as power, dignity, mobility, and solidarity. It takes a nuanced approach to understanding the complexities surrounding self-help group programming and women's empowerment, ultimately arguing that the model of microcredit self-help group programming holds the key to determining whether it contributes to women's well-being or harms them.

By centering on the experiences and perspectives of microcredit self-help group members in West Bengal, India, this book elaborates on the idea that microcredit models exist on a continuum, ranging from "smart economics" to more holistic feminist versions of programming. This book will appeal to scholars engaged in development studies, anthropology, sociology, gender studies, and public policy, as well as those with an interest in Asian Studies.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032411316