Role of Nabard in Women Empowerment with Special Reference to Self Help Groups

Abstract

The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful.[1] Women continue to face all sorts of discrimination and are subjected to wide ranging indignities in the society.[1]  Women are deprived of equal access to education, healthcare, capital, and decision-making power in the political, social, and business sectors. Whereas men are credited with performing three quarters of all economic activities in developing countries, women actually perform 53 percent of work according to United Nations.[1] Women unfortunately, fall in the category of the underpowered. They have little control over either resources or ideology. Women can be empowered through collective reflection and decision making.[1].

There is growing global concern about the quality of life of women.[1]  The latest Human Development Report, released by UNDP on 14 March, 2013, puts India at 132^nd position out of 187 countries, in its Gender Inequality Index that measures the inequality between males and females in term of three key indicators i.e. labor market, reproductive health and empowerment.[1]

The objective of the study is to analyze the role of NABARD in women empowerment with special reference to self help groups.