Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of the most effective grassroots institutions for promoting women's empowerment and strengthening livelihood security in Karnataka. Over the last few decades, SHGs have transformed rural socio-economic structures by enabling women to access savings, microcredit, skill development, and income-generating opportunities. In Uttara Kannada, where livelihoods are largely dependent on agriculture, fisheries, forest-based activities, and informal labour, SHGs serve as an essential mechanism for reducing economic vulnerability and enhancing resilience. This study examines the impact of SHGs on livelihood security and the overall development of women in Uttara Kannada district. It highlights that SHGs promote financial inclusion, improve income levels, encourage livelihood diversification, and enhance women's participation in household and community decision-making. They also contribute to building confidence, leadership skills, and social awareness. However, despite these achievements, SHGs face challenges such as limited market linkage, inadequate enterprise capacity, irregular income streams, and dependence on external support systems. The article argues that SHGs should not be viewed merely as microfinance institutions but as comprehensive platforms for social transformation and grassroots development. Strengthening SHGs through institutional support, capacity building, and market integration can significantly improve sustainable livelihoods and empower women in rural Karnataka.
Annappa Naik (2026) studied this question.