Authors :
Maheshwari B. M.; Dr. Manoj Kumara N. V.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3e236s3y
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep1384
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
In the current socio-economic context, enhancing financial literacy and investment awareness among rural women is essential for achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. This study aims to analyze the financial literacy levels and investment patterns among Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Mysuru District, Karnataka. The research focuses on how SHGs influence financial behavior, empowerment, and preparedness among their members. A descriptive research method was adopted using primary data collected through a structured questionnaire based on a 5point Likert scale. The sample consisted of 200 SHG members from four taluks: Hunsur, Mysuru-Rural, Nanjangud, and K.R. Nagara. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to examine variations in financial awareness and investment behavior across different demographic groups. The results revealed that although many members have a fair understanding of basic financial concepts, limited income and education levels hinder effective investment planning. The study also found that SHG participation significantly contributes to financial inclusion, especially through access to microcredit and financial training programs. Significant differences were observed in financial preparedness and investment awareness across income and education levels. The findings underscore the need for focused financial education and digital literacy initiatives.
Keywords :
Self-Help Groups, Financial Literacy, Investment Patterns, Women Empowerment, ANOVA.
References :
- Alva, Vidya & Dsa, Dr.kusum. (2023). Exploring the Potential and Obstacles of Women Self -Help Groups: A Comprehensive Analysis.
- Das, J. (2016). Role of self-help groups in socioeconomic change of rural women: A micro‑level study. Indian Streams Research Journal, 6(1), 1–. ISSN 2230‑7850.
- Das, Samir & Dhar, Paramita & Sanyal, Manas & Bagchi, Kanak. (2012). Rural Women Empowerment through Self-Help Groups: Perspective of Microfinance and Impact of Micro Credit System.
- J G, Nagaveni. (2019). Women Empowerment Through SHGS:
- K., Nikhitha &Neermarga, Prabhakar. (2022). Review of the Functioning of SHG in the Context of Economic Development of the Women Members and its Impact on their Income. International Journal of Case Studies in Business, IT, and Education. 567- 599. 10.47992/IJCSBE.2581.6942.0219.
- Kondal, K. (2014). Women empowerment through self‑help groups in Andhra Pradesh, India. International Research Journal of Social Sciences, 3(1), 13–16. ISSN 2319‑3565
- Kaur, L., & Singh, D. (2020). Self-help groups: A participatory approach to self-reliance and empowerment. PalArch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 17(11), 496–500.
- Kumar, D.. (2023). Participation in Self-Help Group Activities and its Impacts: Evidence from South India.
- Kumar, Dharmendra. (2023). A Study on Emotional Empowerment of Women Through Self-Help Group. 10.13140/RG.2.2.34016.66569.
- Maheshwari, Meenu & Goyal, Shobhna. (2014). Role of Self-Help Groups in SocioEconomic Empowerment of Women: A Review of Studies.
- Maiti, Sajal & Banerjea, Sudipti & Sarkar, Anirban. (2012). Financial Inclusion: A Study on the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in West Bengal. 47. 15-21. 10.33516/maj.v47i1.15-21p.
- Nikhitha, K., & Neermarga, P. (2022). Review of the functioning of SHGs in the context of economic development of the women members and its impact on their income. Galaxy International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 10(2), 595–599.
- Rathinam, U., & Victor, U. D. (2014). Dairy dependent self-help group in Pondicherry: A tool for economic empowerment. International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research, 3(2), 407–413. ISSN 2319‑1473
- Sabhlok, Smita. (2011). Development and Women The Role of Trust in Self-Help Groups. Indian Journal of Gender Studies. 18. 241-261. 10.1177/097152151101800206.
- List of Blogs and Websites
- Investing in Self-Help Groups: A Guide for Investors by the Rockefeller Foundation: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/rockefeller-foundation-governmentindia-sign-statement-intent-advance-scale-quality-rural-electrification-across-india/
- Investing in Self-Help Groups: A Social Impact Investment Opportunity by the World Bank: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/34722
- Ministry of Rural Development. (2019). Empowerment of Women. https://rural.nic.in/
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Self-Help Groups. https://www.nabard.org/
- Self-Help Groups: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment by the Asian Development Bank (ADB): https://www.adb.org/projects/48134-007/main
- Self-Help Groups: A Sustainable Model for Poverty Reduction by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): https://www.undp.org/syria/stories/self-helpgroups-model-promoting-self-reliance
- Self-Help Groups: A Sustainable Model for Poverty Reduction” by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): https://www.undp.org/syria/stories/self-helpgroups-model-promoting-self-reliance
- Self-Help Groups: A Viable Investment Opportunity for Financial Inclusion by the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX): https://www.mbaknol.com/businessfinance/microfinance-through-self-help-groups-shg/
- World Bank. (2021). Self-Help Groups for Rural Development. http://www.worldbank.org/
In the current socio-economic context, enhancing financial literacy and investment awareness among rural women is essential for achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. This study aims to analyze the financial literacy levels and investment patterns among Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Mysuru District, Karnataka. The research focuses on how SHGs influence financial behavior, empowerment, and preparedness among their members. A descriptive research method was adopted using primary data collected through a structured questionnaire based on a 5point Likert scale. The sample consisted of 200 SHG members from four taluks: Hunsur, Mysuru-Rural, Nanjangud, and K.R. Nagara. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to examine variations in financial awareness and investment behavior across different demographic groups. The results revealed that although many members have a fair understanding of basic financial concepts, limited income and education levels hinder effective investment planning. The study also found that SHG participation significantly contributes to financial inclusion, especially through access to microcredit and financial training programs. Significant differences were observed in financial preparedness and investment awareness across income and education levels. The findings underscore the need for focused financial education and digital literacy initiatives.
Keywords :
Self-Help Groups, Financial Literacy, Investment Patterns, Women Empowerment, ANOVA.