Income Generation Program and Empowerment of Women – A case study in India

Economic reforms or globalisation in more generalised terms, is dominating the world socio-economic scenario for the last two decades. The process is having significant impacts on India as well. Effectiveness of public sector economic development programs is increasingly being questioned now. Higher accountability and participatory approach are becoming more acceptable means. This paper attempts to assess the roles of the public sector and voluntary organisations in the process of conducting economic development programs for women in India. More specifically, it analyses whether implementation of economic development programs automatically improves the level of empowerment of women. To pursue this objective the authors take the help of a socioeconomic case study based on the interview of some 70 women beneficiaries of economic development program from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and a governmental organisation (GO) in the districts of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, India. These women are micro-entrepreneurs and engaged in self-employment business for more than three years. The economic development program of the NGO and the GO in the case study area provided them credit to run their businesses. The case study finds that income generation activity of the NGO increases economic empowerment and overall empowerment of women more than government organisation. It highlights the fact that the NGOs’ development programs have contributed more than the GOs’ programs to improve the economic and social status of women beneficiaries. The NGOs have certain positive qualities that make them more successful in reaching the poorer sections of society. The major positive point lies in the NGO development strategy or approach. This approach includes participation, partnership and member accountability.