BEYOND MICROCREDIT: SELF-HELP GROUPS, SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC VOICE AMONG WOMEN IN RURAL INDIA

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are widely recognised as mechanisms for financial inclusion and livelihood support; however, their contribution to women’s social participation and public voice remains equally important. This study examines the association between SHG membership and changes in community interaction, participation in local governance and public-speaking confidence among women in Ananthapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh. A multi-stage random sampling design was used to select 320 SHG members, comprising 160 Muslim minority and 160 non-minority women across five revenue divisions. Primary data were collected through a structured interview schedule, and changes associated with SHG membership were analysed using frequencies, percentages and chi-square tests. The findings indicate substantial improvement in women’s social engagement following SHG membership. Frequent community interaction increased markedly, while non-participation in Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings declined in both groups and active participation increased. Public expression also strengthened, with 79.06% of respondents reporting moderate or significant improvement in public-speaking confidence. Overall, the findings suggest that SHGs extend beyond their conventional microcredit function by providing collective spaces that facilitate social interaction, civic participation and confidence in public expression. Nevertheless, the observational and partly retrospective design does not establish causality. Strengthening leadership development, public-speaking opportunities and linkages between SHGs and local-governance institutions may further enhance their contribution to women’s social and civic empowerment.