Abstract: The purpose of this research project is to assess the impact of women Self Help Groups (SHGs) on their social empowerment. A descriptive study design was used with the study population being drawn from registered women SHGs in Murera Sub- location and respondents are only the registered members of the groups. The study sought to find out if the Chama’s (local name for SHGs) contribute to the social wellbeing of women. This was examined by factors such as access to medical services, education, the ability to pay fees and provide meals in the households. There was also health awareness on issues such as family planning. The sample of SHG study was drawn from the one hundred and fifty (150) women actively involved in SHGs. The sample size of thirty (30) SHGs was identified through random sampling and five (5) respondents from each group were picked, thus a total 150 respondents. The study used` in-depth interview and data was captured using semi structured questionnaires. The findings showed there has been a positive impact on women’s social empowerment as a result of being a member of a SHG. The respondents said their standard of living had generally increased and this was evidenced by factors such increased meals in the household and payment of health bills. There was a focus on business-centred trainings thus the need to diversify into social challenges such as health matters and community wellbeing.
Keywords: self- help groups, social empowerment, women, social impact, and autonomy.
Title: The Impact of Women Self Help Groups on Their Social Empowerment: A Case Study of Murera Sub-Location in Kiambu County (Kenya)
Author: Gathuni Angela Wanjiku
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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