From Financial Support to Health Promotion: Exploring the Role of Self-Help Groups in Women's Well-being in Rural Karnataka

Abstract

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as a significant institutional mechanism for women's socio-economic empowerment in India. While the financial impact of SHGs is widely documented, their role in promoting health awareness and improving health behaviours among rural women remains underexplored. Our current work  examines the experiences of 20 SHG members from rural Karnataka to assess the multidimensional impact of SHG participation on health awareness, healthcare access, financial stability, and personal empowerment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and thematic case study analysis. Findings reveal that SHGs have been predominantly effective as financial safety nets, significantly enhancing members' confidence and decision-making capacity. However, their role in systematic health education particularly in areas such as menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and preventive healthcare remains limited and inconsistent across groups. Notable exceptions exist where SHGs actively integrate health-related programs, yielding demonstrably better health outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening health-focused interventions within SHG frameworks, through collaboration with ASHA workers, local governance bodies, and health departments, could substantially amplify their contribution to women's holistic well-being.