Rural Women Empowerment Through Microfinancing: A Lesson From Central Kerala

Abstract

Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations are doing yeoman service in the field of rural women empowerment through their micro financing programmes. As a state offering its own model of development, the scenario in Kerala is relevant and significant. This study analyses the contributions of Kudumbasree Mission, the Governmental organization and Changanassery Social Service Society (CHASS) and World Vision of India, the Non-Governmental organizations in rural women empowerment. It is found that active participation and income generating activities have made tremendous impact on economic empowerment of rural women. These could be seen in terms of their employment, income, savings, assets holding capacities and standard of living. The Multiple Linear Regression analysis has identified family size, annual family income, and duration of participation in the organization as the key factors contributing towards empowerment.