1. Introduction 2. Micro Enterprise Development & National Initiatives 3. Micro Enterprises and SHGs in Poverty Alleviation 4. Livelihood Promotion – Key Concepts and Models 5. Management of Micro Enterprises in the Study Area 6. Impact of Micro Enterprises on Livelihood 7. Micro Enterprises for the Positive Impact on Livelihood Findings and Suggestions

The general meaning of the term 'empowerment' is giving to individuals of power to take decisions in matters relating to themselves in relation to self-development1. Garden feels, 'the individual is an effect of power, and at the same time, repressively to the extent to which it is that effect, it is the element of its articulation. The individual with power has constituted, is at the same time its vehicle'2. According to Chandra Shanti Kohli (1997) empowerment in its simplest form means, the manifestation of redistribution of power that challenges patriarchal ideology and the male dominance.

On self-help groups in Tamil Nadu and micro-credit available to rural women; contributed articles.

This book discusses women-oriented microfinance initiatives in India and their articulation vis-à-vis state developmentalism and contemporary neo-liberal capitalism. It examines how these initiatives encourage economically disadvantaged rural women to make claims upon state-provided microcredit and connect with multiple state institutions and agencies, thereby reshaping their gendered identities. The author shows how Self-Help Group (SHG)-based microfinance institutions mobilise agency and create channels of empowerment for women as well as make them responsible for alleviating poverty for themselves and their families. The book also brings out the importance of factoring in women’s dissenting voices when they negotiate developmental projects at the grassroots level. Rich in empirical data, this volume will be useful to scholars and researchers of development studies, gender studies, economics, especially microeconomics, politics, public policy and governance.

One of the major tools of attaining proper development all around the world is complete financial inclusion, such that all classes of people can secure their lifestyles through access to financial services from formal sectors. Expanding access to resources and increasing self-employment opportunities help reduce poverty and improve social development. The Handbook of Research on Microfinancial Impacts on Women Empowerment, Poverty, and Inequality is an essential reference source that discusses the role of financial inclusion in gender equality, as well as economic independence and self-employment. Featuring research on topics such as inequality, collaborative economy, and social responsibility, this publication is ideally designed for policy makers, economic researchers, and academicians seeking coverage on social mobilization, capital formation, capacity building, and pro-poor economy designs.