Integrated Impact Assessment of Women Empowerment Schemes for Creating Jobs: With Reference to STEP and E-HAAT

Abstract

Recognising the importance of women in the economic growth of the nation, the Government of India along with State Governments has been taking several efforts since post-independence period to uplift women from their conditions in general. Attempts were made by the Government to address the issues through employment, empowerment, labour force participation, education, gender equality and entrepreneurship. The focus of Government is progressively shifting towards promoting women entrepreneurship to motivate women to participate in the economic activities. The study examines the perspective of women who are getting benefitted through various government schemes implemented in assistance with non-governmental organizations. The impact observed is in terms of such as - financial assistance, training facilities, infrastructure and its awareness, motivation, confidence, increase in the rate of women opting for entrepreneurship. Studies have shown that such initiatives are boosting self-confidence, increasing the purchasing power and decision making power, leading to their empowerment. It, therefore, addresses the economic, socio-cultural, inter-personal, psychological, political and legal domains of empowerment. The study has been conducted in two selected village of Maharashtra. Data was collected from various NGO, Women entrepreneurs and women beneficiaries associated with various Self-Help Group’s (SHG’s) in the Kanave, Shahapur (Dist. Thane) and Vengaon, Karjat (Dist. Raigad) regions. The qualitative research method has been adopted for analysis of this research .The primary data was collected from personal interviews with well-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions in both the areas. The study indicates that the schemes are working in the interest of women and the quality of life of women has been changed in terms of decision making power, going out, and taking decision for their children’s’ education after working with various SHGs. Yet, measures are necessary to design schemes and programmes that will benefit women in the long run.