Empowering Rural Women in India: SHG Formation and Training for Social Change using Humanitarian Technology

The study investigates the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as catalysts for social change among rural women in India, utilizing the Social Change Model as a theoretical framework. These women were trained using humanitarian technology like digital tools, tablet based training programs focused on bookkeeping and savings. the study addresses the educational needs of less literate women, enhancing their financial literacy and management skills. This technological intervention facilitates lifelong learning opportunities, directly contributing to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Furthermore, by empowering women through technology-enhanced education, the initiative promotes gender equality and supports SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The significant improvements observed in the participants’ financial competencies and active community involvement highlight the critical role of technology in fostering sustainable socio economic development. SHGs employ a mutual aid approach to empower women to convert challenges into opportunities, addressing critical social issues within their communities. Conducted in Sarai Nooruddinpur, Uttar Pradesh, the research involved eighteen women selected based on education level, loan usage for consumption and income generation, and current employment status. The analysis, based on the Social Change Model, examines values across individual, group, and community levels with a focus on self-awareness, collaboration, and civic engagement. The findings reveal that SHGs play a pivotal role in fostering social transformation, enhancing personal development, cooperation, and community responsibility.