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Sufferance of rural women needs very little empirical substantiation around the world, given its widespread prevalence. It has been said that though rural women contribute substantially to rural economic development, its recognition has been very scanty. They are poorly paid, neglected and deprived of basic human rights. They have very little role in household decision-making and have virtually no control over the use of their own income. Policy initiatives have lagged behind intolerably. It was then realized that empowerment has to happen from within by own initiatives. Forming their own groups, mobilizing their own capital, and undertaking own commercial income generating activities were recognized to be the harbingers of rural women empowerment. It also ensured that they become self-dependant, and not look upon others to bring them welfare. Such a movement was called Self- Help Groups, which are typically formed under the government or other [Non-Governmental Organizations, social or religious movements etc.] initiatives. An attempt is made to review the efficacy of the movement in realizing its intended objectives.

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Dr. MINIMOL M. C. is Lecturer in Management in Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, Kerala, India. She has over ten years of experience in teaching. Having published many articles in refereed journals, and presented papers in international conferences,she is strongly committed to social research.

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