Abstract
“There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women” – Kofi Annan
Empowerment of women has been emerging as a burning issue not only in India but all over the world also. Women empowerment is the key slogan of the 90s and of the new millennium. Women constitute nearly half of the rural population in India and play a vital role in its rural economy. Microfinance is a type of banking service that is provided to unemployed or low-income individuals or groups who would otherwise have no other means of gaining financial services. Micro finance through Self Help Group (SHG) has been recognized internationally as the modern tool to combat poverty and for rural development.
