ROLE OF NGOS AND SELF-HELP GROUPS (SHGS) IN PROMOTING COOPERATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE AMONG RURAL WOMEN – A CASE STUDY OF COASTAL KARNATAKA

In a gender biased society of India the women to a greater extent deprived of freedom of mobility and economic independence. She has been restricted to the space between the four walls of the kitchen and household chores to a greater extent. The male dominant Indian society fails to realize the contribution of women, directly or indirectly, in the socio-economic life of the family and society at large. Her life ends up in just managing household chores and taking care of husband, children and other members of the family depending either on husband or children even for her personal requirements and choices. This paper is an attempt how Self Help Groups (SHGs) act as the catalyst for the promotion of entrepreneurial activities among rural women and empower them to be economically self-reliant and independent. The study also emphasizes initiatives taken by the NGOs in supporting the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and members to venture in entrepreneurial activities and achieve financial independence.