Self-Help Groups and Economic Empowerment of Sakachep Tribal Women: A Study of Kalidas Punjee Village, Katlicherra Block, Hailakandi District, Assam

Abstract

This study examines the reported financial and economic experiences associated with Self-Help Group (SHG) membership among Sakachep tribal women in Kalidas Punjee village, Katlicherra Block, Hailakandi District, Assam. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2025 to August 2025 among 50 eligible Sakachep women who were SHG members. A non-probability purposive/convenience-based approach was used: eligible women who were available and willing to participate were approached until 50 respondents were reached. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire after informed consent. Frequencies, percentages and mean scores were used. All respondents reported having an SHG loan and a bank account; 40% reported improvement in financial-service knowledge and 40% reported starting an income-generating activity after joining the SHG. Access to credit was identified as the major benefit by 80%. The six-item financial decision-making scale had an overall mean of 3.35 on a five-point Likert scale, indicating moderate agreement. The findings also identify areas where additional financial-literacy, enterprise-development and market-linkage support could further strengthen women’s economic participation. Because the study is cross-sectional, uses non-probability sampling and has no comparison group, the findings describe reported experiences and associations rather than causal effects.