Exploring the Impact of SHGs on Women Empowerment in the Delhi NCR Region

The present study investigates the multifaceted impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on women’s empowerment in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) of India. Self-Help Groups have come to be recognized not solely as mechanisms of financial inclusion but as social instruments enabling enhanced self-confidence, decision-making capabilities, and community participation among women. Through a mixed-methods empirical approach combining surveys, focus group discussions, and personal interviews with SHG members, this research examines variables such as household income, asset ownership, mobility, financial decision-making, social participation, and psychological empowerment. The findings reveal that membership in SHGs is strongly correlated with increases in income, savings, and individual agency. However, gaps remain in areas such as digital literacy, market linkages, and policy support. Based on the evidence gathered, strategic recommendations are offered to strengthen programme design, operational framework, and policy integration concerning SHGs within urban and peri-urban contexts. The study concludes by suggesting future research pathways, particularly emphasizing longitudinal tracking and comparative analysis between rural and urban SHG outcomes.