Vol. 1, Issue 10, Part I (2015)

Abstract
Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a powerful tool to bring about the much needed growth and development in the country. SHG is the buzzword in the government policies, banking procedures and among the NGOs. The positive impact of SHG movement is visible in the generation of employment opportunities, eradication of poverty and most significantly in improving the status of women in the society. In this study an effort is being made to analyze the link between the socio-economic empowerment of women through the SHG membership. The study was conducted in the Jajpur district of the state of Odisha. The information required for this study was collected from both the primary and secondary sources. Cluster sampling and area sampling were used to collect the information. Average and other statistical methods are used to conduct a meaningful interpretation. The result of the above study indicates a clearconnection between the economic independence of women with SHG membership. Social acceptance and empowerment of women are closely associated with SHG membership.