MICROFINANCE AS A TOOL FOR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: A CASE STUDY IN BILASPUR, CHHATTISGARH, INDIA.

Microfinance, particularly when channelled through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and related to Minor Forest Produce (MFP), has been perceived as a potential tool for women's empowerment, especially in rural and semi-urban settings. Access to financial services, credit, and income-generating opportunities holds substantial socio-economic importance for women. While extensive research documents the beneficial effects of microfinance, studies focusing specifically on Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-based Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in smaller urban areas, such as Bilaspur, has remained limited. This research investigated the impact of microfinance, particularly through Minor Forest Produce (MFP)-based Self-Help Groups (SHGs), on women's empowerment in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The study examined how microfinance affects women's autonomy in decision-making, their financial independence, and the extent of their social networks. A snowball sampling technique was used to gather data from 245 MFP based SHG women with the help of a structured questionnaire having a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis involved mean scores and percentage analysis to understand the findings. Overall, microfinance increases women's role in family planning decisions and enhances self-confidence. Credit and income-generating activities help women become financially independent. It barely affects property ownership and related decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]