ROLE OF SELF-HELP GROUPS IN ENDOWING WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Empowerment in the context of women's development is a way of defining, challenging and<br>overcoming barriers in a woman's life through which she increases her ability to shape her life and<br>environment. It is an active, multidimensional process, which should enable women to realize their full<br>identity and power in all spheres of life.<br>India envisions a future in which Indian women are independent and self-reliant. It is<br>unfortunate that because of centuries of inertia, ignorance and conservatism, the actual and potential role<br>of women in the society has been ignored, preventing them from making their rightful contribution to<br>social progress.