INTRODUCTION:

Women's empowerment and economic growth are two areas where Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have proven particularly helpful. In recent years, the development and operation of SHGs have acquired significance in the context of Kashmir, where women face specific social and economic obstacles. These organizations give women a safe space to build relationships with one another, gain access to resources, and advance professionally and financially. Assessing the success of SHG projects in Kashmir requires knowledge of their social and economic effects on women there.

Kashmir, a region in the north of the Indian subcontinent, has a very unique history, society, and government from the rest of India. Conflict and political turmoil have plagued the region for decades, resulting in economic instability and few possibilities, especially for women. The traditional gender roles and societal expectations sometimes impede women's economic freedom, education, and participation in decision making.

Given this setting, SHGs have shown promise as a means of improving the economic and social standing of women in Kashmir. Researchers, politicians, and development practitioners all seem increasingly interested in the social and economic impact of SHGs on women members in Kashmir. The goal of these organizations is to help women overcome the gender-based obstacles they experience in the region by giving them a place to network, learn new skills, become financially literate, receive access to finance, and start businesses. The extent to which SHGs have been successful in bettering the lives of women and adding to their general well-being can be gleaned by evaluating the experiences of women who are members of these organizations. Women in Kashmir have benefited socially from SHGs in ways that go beyond simple economics. SHGs are a powerful tool for fostering community development, breaking down gender stereotypes, and increasing social cohesiveness. Women in SHGs can break free from limiting gender norms and become change agents by participating in community events, speaking out for their rights, and having a voice in local decision-making.

In addition to their positive social effects, SHGs may also have far-reaching economic consequences for women in Kashmir. These organizations help women become economically self-sufficient by providing them with microloans, savings accounts, and insurance so that they can launch or grow their own companies. Women's economic independence is beneficial not just for women's own well-being, but also for regional poverty alleviation, family prosperity, and economic growth.

Therefore, the purpose of this research is to quantify the societal and economic benefits that SHGs bring to their female members in Kashmir. Through interviews with these women, we hope to gain insight into how SHGs might be used to advance gender parity, economic empowerment, and community development. In addition to providing insights and recommendations for policymakers and development practitioners working towards inclusive and sustainable development in Kashmir, the study's findings will add to the current body of information on women's empowerment, SHGs, and socio-economic development.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

1. “SHGs and socioeconomic empowerment of women in rural India,” by R.L. Vinodhini and P. Vijayanthi (2020), focuses on the social and financial status of women belonging to various SHGs in India. According to their findings, women primarily used microfinance through SHG to send their children to school and to obtain basic necessities. The study concludes that SHGs' success is due primarily to their connections with the poor and their innovative ideas. It enables poor people to participate in economic development and has increased rural women's self-confidence and sense of independence, thereby improving their livelihood.

2. "Impact of SHG in Economic Empowerment of Rural Women A Study," S.V. Priva kumari and Karthik Seetharaman (2020) stated that a country with gender equality can achieve economic development and harmonious growth. Women's problems should be treated as a barrier to a country's development, not just for the sake of social welfare. SHGs have proven to be an effective tool for NABARD's rural development intervention. According to their findings, SHG activities have a positive impact on SHG members' economic well-being.

3. The purpose of Nada Amer Abdulhafedh Al- Kubati and Dori Padmini Selvaratnam's (2021) study "Empowering women through the Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme as a tool for sustainable development: lessons from India" is to investigate India's experience with the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme in empowering women as a core development strategy, as well as the role of the above model in achieving sustainable development goals. They conclude that encouraging women to join SHGs in India is an important part of achieving sustainable development goals and improving long-term livelihood.

4. In their study "Empowering Women SHG through Microfinance during Covid-19: A case study of Women SHG," Richa Sharma, Saurabh Mishra, and Shashikant Rai (2021) discovered that SHGs were a mitigating effect to combat during and after Covid-19. During the worst of the Covid-19 situation, SHGs played a critical role in providing facilities for livelihood support and income generation. Half of India's SHGs were involved in spreading community awareness about infection prevention activities during the covid-19 pandemic.

5. In her study "Microfinance through SHG as a catalyst for poverty reduction and women empowerment," Vasantha (2019) claims that microfinance through SHG has given women real economic power and reduced the gap between gender inequalities. SHGs have brought microfinance to those who were previously unnerved by banks. These members have the opportunity to participate in a variety of training and welfare activities that help to alleviate poverty and empower women.

6. The study "Impact of women SHG on income, employment, investment, and saving in the south Konkan region" by M.G. Larage, J.M. Talathi, A.C. Deorukhakar, and V.G. Naik (2019) found that after joining the SHGs, per member income increased by 13.87 percent, employment increased by 83.18 percent, and asset investment increased by 22.22 percent. There was a 27.84 percent increase in per member savings after joining and participating in SHG activities. This demonstrates that women's SHGs in the southern Konkan region are effective.

7. In research paper "study on role of SHG in financial inclusion of excluded section of the society with special reference to Udupi district," Mallika A Shetty (2019) stated that 75 percent of rural households are still excluded from banking services, so SHG play an important role in involving the most exclusive population in financial inclusion. He came to the conclusion that SHGs help to solve the problem of insufficient finance and include the socially excluded.

8. "Micro-enterprises run by poor people cannot be broadly successful simply because they have increased opportunities to borrow money," according to Robert Pollin (2018). In order for a large number of micro businesses to be successful, they must have access to good roads and affordable transportation. As to reach customers, they require marketing assistance.

9. Rai and Sjostrom (2018) cite some other flaws in the group lending method in their paper. Microfinance services are provided in India through a variety of delivery models, ranging from the very popular SHG model to Grameen methodology and non-profit corporate models, because there is no single approach or model that fits all circumstances. SHGs – Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) are the two main models of micro finance delivery in India at the moment.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

The four districts from the Kashmir district were included in the research. The SHGs in these four communities are operating quite successfully, which is why they were chosen for the project. With the use of primary data collected over a six-month period just (2023), this study was put together the main information gathered with the use of a specifically crafted interview schedule. 200 respondents in total were chosen using a basic random sample procedure from 15 SHGs in four districts. 1/3 of the SHGs' total membership made up the sample size. This study is mainly descriptive.

1. Srinagar: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is likely to have SHG members due to its urban setting and availability of resources and opportunities.

2. Anantnag: It is a district located in the southern part of Kashmir. It is known for its agricultural activities and rural population, making it likely to have SHG members involved in farming and related livelihoods.

3. Kupwara: It is a district in the northwestern part of Kashmir. It is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural practices. SHG members in this region may be engaged in agriculture, horticulture, or related activities.

4. Pahalgam: it is a small town located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination and may have SHG members involved in tourism-related businesses such as handicrafts, hospitality, and travel services.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

1. To assess the social empowerment of women through SHG membership in Kashmir.

2. To evaluate the economic impact of SHG membership on the livelihoods of women in Kashmir.

3. To identify the factors influencing empowerment and livelihood enhancement within SHGs in Kashmir.

SAMPLE:

We gathered information from women employed at private hospitals in Srinagar, Kashmir, using the convenience sample method. 200 women working in healthcare sector responded to the survey after visiting 8 hospitals, and 100 of those replies were deemed appropriate for further examination. Prior to gathering the comments from healthcare professionals, hospital administrators were consulted. Only nurses who agreed to take part in the study received questionnaires. The hospital administration and the medical staff were first informed of the study's goal. The confidentiality and anonymity of the employees' replies were guaranteed.

Table 1. Distribution of respondents as per Socio-economic profile of SHG Members

Variables	Categories	Frequency	Percentage
Age	21 Years	16	8%
	21-30 Years	73	36.5%
	31-40Years	65	32.5%
	41-50 Years	31	15.5%
	Above 50 Years	15	7.5%
Caste	General	40	20%
	OBC	82	41%
	SC	66	33%
	ST	12	6%
Marital Status	Married	178	89%
	Unmarried	19	9.5%
	Others	3	1.5%
Education	Illiterate	36	18
	Functionally literate	42	21%
	Class 1-5	34	17%
	Class 6-8	62	31%
	Class 9-12	11	5.5%
	Graduation	13	6.5%
	Post-Graduation	2	1%
Type of SHG family	Nuclear	165	82.5%
	Joint	35	17.5%
Employment Status	Employed	189	94.5%
	Unemployed	11	5.5%
Occupation Status	Housewife	23	11.5%
	Agriculture	81	40.5%
	service	34	17%
	Self Employed	43	21.5%
	Labour	19	9.5%

(Source: Primary data

Table 2. Social and economic impact of Women Self-Help Group (SHG) membership in Kashmir

S. No.	Variable	Mean	S. D	α
1	Empowerment	2.012	0.630	0.343
2	Livelihood Enhancement	2.112	0.730	0.631
3	Social and Economic Transformation	2.661	0.622	0.631
4	SHG Membership	2.870	0.768	0.212
5	Socio-Demographic Factors	2.466	0.676	0.322
6	Support Services	3.747	1.314	0.512
7	Mediating Variables	3.670	1.411	0.43

1. EMPOWERMENT:

a. Mean = 2.012 b. S.D = 0.630 c. α= 0. 454

The provided information presents statistics for the variable of empowerment in the study on the social and economic impact of Women Self-Help Group (SHG) membership in Kashmir. Here's an explanation of the statistics:

· Mean: The mean value of empowerment is reported as 2.012. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' empowerment levels. In this context, it indicates the average level of self-confidence, decision-making power, leadership skills, and participation in community activities among the women SHG members in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 0.630. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the empowerment scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the empowerment levels among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.454. In the given context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the empowerment scale used in the study. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the scale used to measure empowerment demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the empowerment variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of empowerment among women SHG members, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in empowerment scores, and the α value reflects the reliability of the empowerment measurement scale. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between empowerment and other factors in the study.

2. LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT

a. Mean = 2.112 b. S. D = 0.730 c. α = 0.433

· Mean: The mean value of livelihood enhancement is reported as 2.112. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' level of livelihood improvement as a result of their SHG membership. It indicates the average level of household income, financial stability, entrepreneurial capabilities, and diversification of livelihood options among the women SHG members in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 0.730. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the livelihood enhancement scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the extent of livelihood enhancement among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.433. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure livelihood enhancement. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the scale used to assess livelihood enhancement demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the livelihood enhancement variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of livelihood improvement among women SHG members, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in the livelihood enhancement scores, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between livelihood enhancement and other factors in the study.

3. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

a. Mean = 2.661 b. S. D= 0.622 c. α= 0.631

· Mean: The mean value of social and economic transformation is reported as 2.661. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' perception of the extent of social and economic transformation within their communities due to SHG membership. It indicates the average level of positive changes in areas such as education, health, infrastructure development, and community development resulting from the activities of SHGs in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 0.622. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the social and economic transformation scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the perceptions of social and economic transformation among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.631. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure social and economic transformation. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the measurement scale used to assess social and economic transformation demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the social and economic transformation variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of perceived social and economic changes resulting from SHG membership, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in these perceptions, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between social and economic transformation and other factors in the study.

4. SHG MEMBERSHIP:

a. Mean = 2.870 b. S. D= 0.768 c. α= 0.212

· Mean: The mean value of SHG membership is reported as 2.870. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' perception of the benefits and effectiveness of their SHG membership. It indicates the average level of satisfaction, engagement, and perceived impact of the SHG membership among the women in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 0.768. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the SHG membership scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the perceptions of SHG membership among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.212. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure SHG membership. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the measurement scale used to assess SHG membership demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the SHG membership variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of the SHG membership, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in these perceptions, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between SHG membership and other factors in the study.

5. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS

a. Mean = 2.466 b. S. D= 0.676 c. α= 0.322

· Mean: The mean value of socio-demographic factors is reported as 2.466. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education level, occupation, and household size. It indicates the average level of these factors among the women SHG members in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 0.676. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the socio-demographic factor scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the socio-demographic characteristics among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.322. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure socio-demographic factors. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the measurement scale used to assess socio-demographic factors demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the socio-demographic factors variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of the socio-demographic characteristics among women SHG members, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in these characteristics, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between socio-demographic factors and other variables in the study.

6. SUPPORT SERVICES:

a. Mean = 3.747 b. S.D = 1.314 c. α = 0.512

· Mean: The mean value of support services is reported as 3.747. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' perception of the availability and effectiveness of support services such as access to credit facilities, skill development programs, and market linkages. It indicates the average level of satisfaction or perceived support received by the women SHG members in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 1.314. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the support services scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the perceptions of support services among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.512. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure support services. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the measurement scale used to assess support services demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the support services variable in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of satisfaction or perceived effectiveness of the support services provided to the women SHG members, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in these perceptions, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve comparing these statistics with other variables, conducting inferential tests, and exploring the relationship between support services and other factors in the study.

7. MEDIATING VARIABLES:

a. Mean = 3.670 b. S.D = 1.411 c. α = 0.434

· Mean: The mean value of mediating variables is reported as 3.670. The mean represents the average score of the respondents' perception of the variables that potentially mediator influences the relationship between SHG membership and the social and economic impact. These variables could include factors such as access to resources, social support, or training programs. The mean value indicates the average level of these mediating variables among the women SHG members in Kashmir.

· Standard Deviation (S.D): The standard deviation is reported as 1.411. The standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of the mediating variables scores around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variation in the perceptions of mediating variables among the respondents.

· α (Alpha): The value of α is reported as 0.434. In this context, α likely represents the level of internal consistency or reliability of the scale used to measure mediating variables. A higher α value indicates a higher level of reliability, suggesting that the measurement scale used to assess mediating variables demonstrates good internal consistency.

These statistics provide a summary of the data related to the mediating variables in the study. The mean value indicates the average level of the perceived influence of these variables on the relationship between SHG membership and the social and economic impact, the standard deviation highlights the extent of variation in these perceptions, and the α value reflects the reliability of the measurement scale used. Further analysis and interpretation of the data would involve exploring the specific mediating variables, their impact on the relationship between SHG membership and the social and economic outcomes, and their role in the overall framework of the study.

CONCLUSION:

Based on the statistics, here is a conclusion on the social and economic impact of Women Self-Help Group (SHG) membership in Kashmir, focusing on empowerment and livelihood enhancement. The respondents' average empowerment score is 2.012, indicating moderate perceived empowerment among the respondents. The standard deviation of 0.630 implies that participants' empowerment levels vary. The α value of 0.343 suggests low internal consistency in the empowerment measurement scale. The average score for livelihood enhancement among Kashmiri women SHG members is 2.112, suggesting moderate perceived improvement. The standard deviation of 0.730 implies that participants' livelihood enhancement levels vary. The livelihood enhancement measuring scale has moderate internal consistency at 0.433. The study found that Kashmiri Women Self-Help Group (SHG) membership somewhat empowers and improves livelihoods. However, respondents' perceptions vary, suggesting that the influence may vary. The study suggests that the empowerment measurement scale needs improvement, as evidenced by the low α value. Further study and interventions could increase empowerment and livelihood options for Kashmiri women SHG members.

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Received on 01.08.2023 Modified on 07.09.2023

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2023; 14(4):200-206.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2023.00041