A Study of Women's Self-Help Groups in Solapur City- A Geographical Study

Abstract In India women constitute about half of India’s population.This population is largely excluded from participating in economic activities and decision-making. They access to resources of health, nutrition, education, etc. This exclusion and discrimination are reflected in low female labour force participation rates, with India recording a meagre 22.3% in 2021. In the context of increased importance being given to innovationand technology, especially in a present era, economically weaker sections have faced an acute loss of jobs and income. Women have the potential to contribute to household finances. In a country that is at the cusp of a rapid transformation in terms of evolving employment opportunities, female participation in the economy remains crucial to where India stands globally. Hence the present paper focus on women’s Self-help group and it benefit to sustain their family. The result shows that self help groups help in upgrade life style of low-income group families. This study examines the transformative role of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Solapur City, focusing on their socio-economic impact. SHGs have emerged as a key strategy for empowering women from marginalized communities by providing access to microfinance, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering collective decision-making. Using a descriptive research design and data from 110 SHG members, the study analyzes changes in income, savings, expenditures, and social indicators. Findings reveal significant improvements in women's economic conditions, including increased income and savings, greater financial discipline, and enhanced participation in household and community decisions. The SHG movement in Solapur, supported by NGOs and financial institutions, has enabled many women to pursue income-generating activities, gain self-confidence, and contribute actively to their families and society. However, challenges such as limited market access, insufficient digital literacy, and lack of advanced skills remain. The study concludes that with sustained institutional support, SHGs can serve as catalysts for inclusive and sustainable urban development.