Abstract

                Investing in women, has proven to be the most effective way to increase individual family expenditures on health and education, improve nutrition and food availability and begin the process of tackling the gender inequalities that hinder development in many countries around the world. Hence, the success of microfinance represents a paradigm shift in the development process. Microfinance programmes like Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP) in India have been increasingly hailed for their positive economic impact and the empowerment of women.  The objective of this study is to assess the performance of SBLP in Andhra Pradesh and its impact on the rural women. The present study is based upon primary data, which has been collected from the SHG members in East Godavari and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh during the year 2012-13. The study reveals that SBLP has contributed the rural women in terms of bringing not only economic empowerment but also social and political empowerment.

Key words: Microfinance, Self-Help Groups, Women empowerment, Andhra Pradesh, Impact