Vol. 1, Issue 13, Part D (2015)

Abstract
During the freedom struggle women came out from the four walls of the age old boundaries and fought along with men not only for the freedom of the country but also for their own freedom. With independence they were provided with an equal platform along with the men. The political leaders of independent India did understand the importance of improving the condition of women which was the foundation to build a better and stronger India. Many welfare schemes and opportunities were created to uplift the women of India. But the efforts of the government never bore the desired result. Empowering women through self- help groups is another initiative taken up by the government with high hopes and aspirations. This study aims to analyse the change and the status of women has undergone through this initiative/ project. An effort is also being made to study empirically the obstacles the women face on the path of development. Binjharpur was the universe of this study. Binjharpur is one of the blocks of Jajpur district of the state of Odisha. Cluster sampling and area sampling were used to collect the information. Primary data was collected from the women who are members of self-help groups. Secondary data was collected from the Block and the district offices. Average and other statistical methods are also used to conduct a meaningful interpretation. The result of the above study indicates a clear connection between the economic independence of women with SHG membership and the hardships they have undergone in their journey to be self-reliant.