EXAMINING THE ROLE OF NGOS IN ADVANCING WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF WEST BENGAL

NGOs are vital in pushing forward women's empowerment by tackling socio-economic inequalities through skill development, financial literacy, and advocacy efforts. In West Bengal, their work has made a real difference in boosting women's agencies, but challenges like financial limitations and socio-cultural obstacles still exist, calling for a more in-depth analysis. This study explores how NGOs are promoting women's empowerment in West Bengal by evaluating their contributions, the hurdles they face, and their overall impact. The study seeks to understand how initiatives led by NGOs help achieve socio-economic empowerment through skill development, financial literacy, and advocacy programs. To gather insights, a structured survey was conducted with 390 respondents from both urban and rural areas. The study used statistical methods, including correlation and regression analysis, to assess the connection between NGO interventions and women's empowerment. The study highlights a notable rise in financial independence, job opportunities, and social mobility for women. However, the study also points out the hurdles that NGOs encounter, like limited funding, bureaucratic challenges, and cultural resistance, which can hinder the successful rollout of empowerment initiatives. These findings offer important insights for policymakers and stakeholders, stressing the necessity for better financial and institutional backing for NGOs. By strengthening partnerships among NGOs, government bodies, and community organizations, their impact can be significantly enhanced. This study emphasizes the vital role NGOs play in promoting gender equity and suggests sustainable strategies to boost their effectiveness in advancing women's empowerment in West Bengal.