Is self help group approach a means for gender mainstreaming? A study on dry fish units in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

A study to assess the impact of SHGs in gender mainstreaming was undertaken among the SHG operating dry fish units at Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The analysis included performance assessment of the SHGs, gender analysis, empowerment analysis and economic feasibility analysis which were carried out based on the primary data collected from the members of the SHGs. The male and female counterparts of the families of SHG members were separately interviewed to assess the gender mainstreaming aspects in terms of equity and equality to access to resources, participation profile, decision making aspects, gender need analysis etc. Though majority of activities are female dominated, the male counterparts of the households also have definite role in decision making, purchase of accessories, sales, marketing etc. The indicative economics worked out for the economic feasibility analysis of the SHGs suggests that, the unit takes just one year to achieve break even. A case studywas documented as amoviewhich can be used as a case model for promoting group actionby mobilizingSHGsona sustainable basis.