CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS AND...

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CHAPTER IV

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Self Help Groups are Informal group formed on voluntary basis, perceived as

people‘s intuitions, providing the poor with the space and support necessary to take effective

steps towards greater control on their lives in private and also in society. The informal groups

provide the poor with the means for “economic and social entitlement”. The group formations

are based on a growing institutional concept in terms of resources and management skills of

the members to increase their confidence to get involved in the public and private spheres.-

A.P. Fernandez

‘Swayam Sahayate Ko Protsahit Kar

Manav Janjati Ko Punargthit Kar’

Fakira na sister’s society, Bettiah, Bihar.

It means ‘Self help is the Best help’. This slogan on Self Help Groups depicts the importance

of self help in the restrengthening and bringing together of the human race.

This chapter analyzed various aspects in relation to “A Sociological Study on the

Empowerment of Women with special reference to Mahasemam Trust, Madurai.It is based on

the information collected from Mahasemam and its contribution towards Self Help

Groups.The data classified was represented in the form of tabulation and interpretation

SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE:

Age is a determining and motivating factor to analyze the respondent’s interest

towards joining in self help groups, since age is the main contributing factor.

The young and middle age group people can actively participate in the socio-

economic activities of self help groups. The aged people (45-53) are also in this group, their

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role is also important for Self Help Groups. They can control, share their experiences and

solve the problems whenever it arises in the groups.

TABLE: 4.1

AGE WISE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESPONDENTS

Sl.No Age Group No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 20-24 97 19.4

2 25-29 106 21.2

3 30-34 105 21.0

4 35-39 107 21.4

5 Above 40 85 17.0

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.1) majority (21.4%) of the respondents were belonged to the

age group of 35-39 years in the study area. It is noted that 21.2 percent of the respondents

were belonged to the age group of 25-29 in the study area. Likewise 21.0 percent of the

respondents belonged to the age group of 30-34 years. 19.4 percent of the respondents

belonged to the age group of 20-24 years and 17.0 percent of the respondents are in the age

group of above 40 years.

Whatever the age group, the indicative factor to join here is contribution in family

expenses, to raise their level of income by joining in Mahasemam, understand the importance

by means of income generating programmes, through which they found out the sources of

income for their survival.

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DIAGRAM 4.1

97 106 105 10785

500

19.4 21.2 21 21.4 17

100

20‐24 25‐29 30‐34 35‐39 Above 40 Total

Age wise DIstribution of the Respondents

No. of Respondents Percentage

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MARITAL STATUS

To ascertain the marital status of the entire respondent group the data obtained was

analyzed. In this group, the coverage of people were married, divorced, widow and separated.

They can easily interact with this group as they were able to concentrate their income level

and they seek the solutions for their problems.

TABLE: 4.2

MARITAL STATUS WISE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESPONDENTS

Sl.No Marital Status No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Married 349 69.8

2 Divorced 24 4.8

3 Widow 102 20.4

4 Separated 25 5.0

Total 500 100.0

All the 500 women who were interviewed were married. Out of the 500 married

women, majority (69.8%) were with their life partners. The above table(4.2) shows that

women after marriage were seeking some self employment opportunities to supplement their

family income. It is also noticed that 20.4 percent of the respondents were widows. Another

5.0percent level with miserable condition, and were not legally divorced to get benefits

associated with it. It is also found that 4.8 percent of them were legally divorced.

Whether rural or urban the women in Mahasemam who have gained enough

satisfaction due to the provision of destitute loan scheme was beneficial which cater to their

financial requirements as timely help. They used the money to invest on whatever possible

trade wh

free loan

hich graduall

having no t

Marr

349

M

ly changes t

ime limit for

ried Divo

9

2

69.8

Marital stat

heir way of

r the recover

DI

orced W

44.8

tus wise Dis

No. of Resp

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f life and als

ry.

IAGRAM 4

Widow S

102

20.4

stribution

ondents P

so sum of R

4.2

Separated

255

of the Resp

Percentage

Rs.2000/- giv

Total

500

100

pondents

ven as intereest

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EDUCATION

Education derived from the word educare which implies that there is increase in

reasoning ability of the person. Education is the kindling of a flame not the filling of a vessel

rightly said by Socrates. Education serves as an eye opener and makes the individuals aware

of the happenings in and around the world. Accordingly after joined in Mahasemam the

importance of education was realized by the members.

TABLE: 4.3

EDUCATIONAL STATUS OF RESPONDENTS

Sl.No Education

Qualification

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Illiterate 16 3.2

2 Literate 86 17.2

3 Primary 140 28.0

4 Middle 59 11.8

5 High School 89 17.8

6 Higher Secondary &

above

110 22.0

Total 500 100.0

This table shows (4.3) majority (28%) of them belonged to the category of primary

level education. 22 percent of them studied higher secondary level of education and above.

17.8 percent of them were educated up to high school level. 17.2 percent were literate and at

the level of how they were able to read and write. Another 11.8 percent of them were finished

their middle school level of education. It is also interesting to note that 3.2 percent of them

were illiterate.

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Over and above it indicated the need for providing functional literacy to the members,

enabling them to participate more actively in the group activities and uplift their status, due to

Sarvashiksha Abiyan Scheme. Urban areas were better than rural areas, but not best. This is

slowly changing nowadays, which is good for future.

DIAGRAM 4.3

OCCUPATION

Micro credit loans are found more suitable for hard working micro women

entrepreneurs to start or expand micro businesses. They assist its members in various

entrepreneurial activities such as solar products, reverse osmosis water plant, pickle and

papad manufacturing, sanitary napkin production, Dairy farming and nighty garment. In view

of the entrepreneurial assistance provided by Mahasemam in sourcing raw material, finance

arrangement marketing, technical training by experts in the technical training by experts in

the field, various women members sharpened their skill as developed themselves into an

entrepreneur. The women folk are very eager to join in Mahasemam in order to get money,

to assist economic development in their family. They repay the loan very easily because here,

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womenfolk can stand in their own step. In this group whether it is rural or urban, womenfolk

have own job. The nature of job may be different. But job is sure that safeguard themselves.

TABLE: 4.4

DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO OCCUPATION

Sl.No Occupation No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Agriculture 200 40.0

2 Coolie 86 17.2

3 Business 54 10.8

4 Housewife 160 32.0

Total 500 100.0

Majority (40%) of the respondents were doing Agricultural works as per Table(4.4).

In rural areas like Tiruppuvanam, Melur, Alanganallur , their main occupation was

agriculture. 32.0 percent of them were the homemakers taking care of household activities.

17.2 percent of them were Coolies in Companies, Factories and in the houses. Another 10.8

percent of womenfolk were engaged in the business such as tailoring, flower selling, doll

shop, solar products, reverse osmosis water plant, sanitary napkin production and ordinary

mess to provide breakfast. In urban areas it varies like this being a employee or doing

business. After joined in which womenfolk were free to choose their occupation? Now

womenfolk are slowly coming out from the clutches of poverty.

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DIAGRAM 4.4

Education

According to the Aristotelian concept, educate meant to develop man’s faculties, that

is able to enjoy the contemplation of the supreme truth, goodness and beauty in which perfect

happiness essentially consists. Education is a really eye opener and it is equally important for

both men and women .There is no doubt that education empowers both men and women.

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TABLE: 4.5

DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO HUSBAND’S EDUCTION

Sl.No Education No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Illiterate 161 32.2

2 Literate 17 3.4

3 Primary 33 6.6

4 Middle 43 8.6

5 High School 20 4.0

6 Higher Secondary level

education

226 45.2

Total 500 100.0

Majority (45.2%) of the respondent’s husbands obtained higher secondary level

education as given in the Table (4.5). Only in the urban areas men folk completed above their

secondary level. 32.2 percent of them were illiterate. 8.6 percent were studied up to middle

school level education. 6.6 percent of them obtained primary school level education. 4

percent of them obtained high school level education. It is also identified that 3.4 percent

were literate. There was no tertiary level of education (college, education) among the

respondents husbands. Slowly, now the situation is changing due to their rationalization in

thinking. Education not only regarded as a mere way of training a man for job but also

bringing him up as a citizen of their country and one who shares their ideals.

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OCCUPATIONAL STATUS

Family is a most intimate group to which man belongs and most effective agent in the

transmission of social heritage. It is their responsibility to take care of their family. As far as

wives and children are dependent on their life partners, occupation of husband is very

important for the family.

TABLE: 4.6

DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO HUSBAND’S

OCCUPATION

Sl.No Occupation No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Agriculture 273 54.6

2 Coolie 77 15.4

3 Business 88 17.6

4 Un employed 62 12.4

Total 500 100.0

Majority (54.6%) were involved with agricultural works. It is noticed in the

Table(4.6)that 17.6 percent were doing their own business, such as running grocery shop,

electrical shop fancy store, tiffin centre and employed as weavers, tailors and etc. 15.4

percent of men were engaged with coolie works.

It is distinguished that 12.4 percent were unemployed and they are not doing any job,

it reflects their irresponsible attitude towards family and other important works. But , if the

husband is unemployed like this, how the family survives in the fast economic dynamic

society. So the wife has to play, dual role in family and society. Thus, self help group

provides all their necessities under one roof.

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FAMILY INCOME

Almost all the Five year plans have various schemes which were implemented to

reduce poverty and to promote gainful employment. The more attractive scheme with less

effort is self help groups. They have been recognized as a useful tool to help the poor and as

an alternative mechanism to meet the regent credit needs of the poor through thrift. The bread

winner had to possess enough concern to meet the requirements of the family. Here, the self

help group may serve as a source to generate income for their livelihood.

TABLE: 4.7 – A.

FAMILY INCOME BEFORE JOINING IN MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Income of the family

Per month

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Below Rs.5000 317 63.4

2 Rs.5000 – Rs.10,000 183 36.6

Total 500 100.0

Majority (63.4%) of the respondent’s Family income belonged to the range of below

Rs.5000 per month. It is also noted in the Table (4.7A) that only 36.6 percent were in the

level of earning Rs.5000 – 10,000 per month as monthly income, while seeking the

occupational status in the tables given earlier revealed their earning capacity. It is presumed

that they were struggling hand for their survival.

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DIAGRAM 4.5

Income

“All for all” is the basic concept in self help groups. It is working under micro level

and generates self, confidence, self – security, self reliance and social defense. The principles

of self help groups are social homogeneity, social support internality, experimental learning,

social movement, self determination, and active participation. So, it encourages women to

organize themselves in a group for eradication of poverty of its members. So that it uplift the

status of members and it paved the way to raise the income of the family.

TABLE: 4.7 – B.

FAMILY INCOME AFTER JOINING IN MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Income of the family

Per month


1 Below Rs.5000 23 4.6

2 Rs.5000 – Rs.10,000 477 95.4

Total 500 100.0

Table (4.7B) shows that majority (95.4%) of the respondents family income belonged to

the range of Rs. 5000- Rs.10000 per month. The income of members had been increased

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after joining in Mahasemam, that gave them confidence and independence to meet their

personal expenditure.It too contributed more to their household income through where they

were economically independent in which they earn reasonably through their occupation. It is

also noted that 4.6 percent of the respondent’s Family income belonged to the level of below

Rs. 5000 per month. This shows the remarkable picture in both urban and rural areas, that

through Mahasemam the economic ability of the womenfolk increases day by day.

DIAGRAM4.6

Size of the Family

Family is a group defined by a sex relationship sufficiently precise and enduring to

provide for the procreation and upbringing of children (Maclver). To give them good

education, healthy standard of living, planned family is important. To avoid discrimination

also, it is very important to have planned family. According to CEDAW, distinction

exclusion or restriction, made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing

on notifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women irrespective of their marital

status on the basis of their men and women of human rights and fundamental freedom in the

political, economic, cultural, civil or any other field.

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TABLE: 4.8

SIZE OF THE FAMILY OF THE RESPONDENTS

Sl.No Size of the family No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 1 Child 138 27.6

2 2 Children 194 38.8

3 3 Children 82 16.4

4 No child 86 17.2

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.8) shows majority (38.8) were having 2 children. 27.6 percent were

having only one child. 17.2 percent were not had any child. It is also found that 16.4 percent

were having three children in their family. Being a member in Mahasemam, the women’s

health status has also increased, that they were aware of killer diseases HIV+, usage of

contraceptives, those who donot have child they were under treatment both in urban and rural

areas. Due to the regular health camps conducted by Meenakshi Mission Hospital and

Research Centre, Madurai, on regular intervals, such as once in three months, all the

members were able to benefit out of this programme.

Sex of Living Children

In many of the Indian families, son preference is a common issue. Though the society

is able to give equal treatment towards both male and female children, some longing is there

to have male children. Sex is a fact of human biology; we are born male or female. It is men

who impregnate and women, who conceive, give birth and breast feed the human baby. It is

important to understand, how we learnt to be boys and girls to become women and men: how

we define masculine behavior, how we are taught activities regarded as appropriate for our

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sex and the ways in which we should relate to one another. What we learn depend on the

society into which we are born and our position within it. Hence gender roles are liable.

TABLE: 4.9

SEX OF LIVING CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY

Sl.No Sex of children No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Only male children 246 49.2

2 Only female children 62 12.4

3 Combination of male

and female children

106 21.2

4 No child 86 17.2

Total 500 100.0

Majority (49.2%) of the respondents were having only male children in the family as

per Table(4.9). 21.2 percent were having the combination of both the male and female

children in the family. 17.2 percent of the respondents were not having child. 12.4 percent of

them have only female children. Due to the religious rituals performed by the male members

in the family. Son preference is given both in urban and rural areas, as they educate

themselves making this society into civilized from uncivilized. But due to the son preference,

female infanticide depicts the human race as uncivilized.

Type of Family

A family can be defined as a set of persons related by blood, marriage (or some other

agreed upon relationship) or adoption who share the primary responsibility for reproduction

and caring for members of society. - Schaefer. Nowadays each and everybody wants to fly

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from ‘family’. The remaining word is I AM. When the word exists AM I there is no type of

family going to exist in future, where as we loose our cultural heritage.

TABLE: 4.10

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO TYPE OF FAMILY

Sl.No Type of family No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Nuclear Family 237 47.4

2 Joint Family 201 40.2

3 Extended Family 62 12.4

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.10) shows majority (47.4 %) of them belonged to Nuclear Family. 40.2

percent of them were in Joint Family system and 12.4 percent were in extended Family. Both

in urban and rural areas, the womenfolk join Mahasemam for the betterment of their family in

which type of family they belonged to, because of our love, affection and sentiment towards

family.

Religious status

From the sociological point of view, religion is concerned with the sacred and profane

which are in social origin. In 1933 Mahatma Gandhi described Religion as “a force that binds

one to one’s god, to truth as to nothing else social control. It is the most effective and

influential force which shapes the human behavior. “Religion is a mode of action as well as

system of belief and a sociological phenomenon as well as a personal experience.”

-Malinowski

It is rightly said by Dr.Radhakrishnan, the main purpose of religious education today

is not to impose our thoughts and way of life on others, not to replace one religion with

another, but to discover what others are doing and to help them live their lives peacefully.

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TABLE: 4.11

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO THE RELIGION

Sl.No Religion No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Hindu 456 91.2

2 Muslim 28 5.6

3 Christian 16 3.2

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.11) majority (91.2%) of the respondents were from Hindu

Religion. 5.6 percent were from the religion of Muslim and 3.2 percent of them were

belonged to Christian religion. Anyhow, Religion seeks to interpret and control man’s

relations to the forces of their physical and social environment.

DIAGRAM 4.7

Community

Every community has some definite name, which is expressive of the individuality of

its locality. Communities are not made or created by an act of will, but are natural.

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Community is an area of social living marked by some degree of social coherence.

Community is a social group with some degree of “we feel” and living in given area. It means

close relationship between the members, feeling of security and common residence.

-Bogardus.

TABLE: 4.12

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO THE COMMUNITY

Sl.No Community No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Forward 23 4.6

2 Most backward 158 31.6

3 Backward 170 34.0

4 SC 149 29.8

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.12) shows majority (34%) of the respondents belonged to backward

community. 31.6 percent of the respondents belonged to Most Backward Community. 29.8

percent of the respondents belonged to Scheduled Caste. 4.6 percent belonged to Forward

Community. In urban and rural areas womenfolk were ‘unity’ to come and join in

Mahasemam.

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DIAGRAM 4.8

Residential Environment

Shelter is one of the essential basic needs. The three important needs are food, water

and shelter which are must for all the human being on public health aspects of housing

prefers to use the term “Residential Environment” which is defined as the physical structure

that man uses and the environs of the structure including all necessary services, facilities

equipment and devices needed or designed for the physical and mental health and the social

well being of the family and the individual – WHO

TABLE: 4.13

CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF

RESIDENCE

Sl.No Nature of Residence No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Own House 38 7.6

2 Rented House 382 76.4

3 Lease House 52 10.4

4 Hut 28 5.6

Total 500 100.0

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The Table (4.13) reveals majority (76.4%) of them were residing in the house on

rental basis. 10.4 percent of them were residing in the house on lease basis. 7.6 percent of

them were at their own house. 5.6 percent of them were residing in huts.

Residential Place of Family

To stabilize the individual’s development, how long they have been resided in one

place, matters a lot. These details are necessary for the study as they have to avail the

opportunities introduced for them. If they stay in a particular place, they may not face the

problem of residential proof. More over it is also easy to mobilize them to make them aware

of developmental programmes.

TABLE: 4.14

DURATION OF RESIDENTIAL PLACE OF FAMILY

Sl. No Duration No. of Respondents Percentage

1 1 – 10 years 162 32.4

2 10 – 20 years 295 59.0

3 Above 20 years 43 8.6

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.14) shows majority (59.0%) of the respondents were residing in a

particular place for about 10 -20 years. 32.4 percent of them were residing in a particular

place for more than 1 - 10 years and 8.6 percent were residing in a particular place for more

than 20 years. In urban and rural areas, the people change their residence due to the education

and employment chances what they got.

Drinking water Facility

Three Fourth of our earth is covered with water. We get water from many sources

such as rain, lakes, waterfalls, seas and ocean water is very valuable. Water is defined as

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intended for human consumption should be both safe and wholesome free from pathogenic

agents, free from harmful chemical substances pleasant to the taste i.e free from colour and

odour and useful for domestic purpose. Park The United Nations has declared 2005 – 2015 as

the International Decade for Action ‘water for life ‘. If the world is to thrive we need to get

collectively smarter and more intelligent about how we manage waste including waste

waters. -Achim Steiner, the Head of UNEP.

TABLE: 4.15

MODE OF DRINKING WATER

Sl.No Mode of Drinking

Water

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Hand Pump 329 65.8

2 Lorry Service 167 33.4

3 Manual Service 4 0.8

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.15) majority ( 65.8 %) of the respondents were getting the

drinking water through hand pump. 33.4 percent were getting the drinking water through

lorry service and 0.8 percent were getting drinking water by walking one or two kilo meters

away from their residence. Nowadays the people have to rely some other source to take

source of water for their uses, wherever they are due to the construction of building from the

land, non availability of surface and ground water.

Basic Facility

The dictionary meaning of the word ‘Sanitation’ is the science of safe – guarding

health. Definition given by National Sanitation Foundation of the USA which as follows:

Sanitation is a way of life. It is the quality of living that is expressed in the clean home, the

clean farm, the clean business, the clean neighbourhood and the clean community. It’s

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nourished by knowledge and grows as an obligation and an ideal in human relations.

Nowadays the women group “SHE –Team (Sanitation and Hygiene Education Team) formed

to earn money out of the toilet maintenance which was earlier used.

- Policy Paper 3.

TABLE: 4.16

AVAILABILITY OF TOILET FACILITY

Sl.No Availability of

Toilet Facility

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Open 88 17.6

2 Common 375 75.0

3 Attached 31 6.2

4 Public 6 5.6

Total 500 100.0

This Table( 4.16) shows majority (75.0%) of the respondents were used common

toilet and agreed that it was not properly maintained by the users. 17.6 percent were used

open toilet facility which was highly unhygienic and not at all tolerable. 6.2 percent have the

attached toilet facility at homes. 1.2 percent use the Public toilet facilities. Slowly the urban

and rural areas, the people are getting awareness due to the regular health campaigns to keep

their surrounding clean, paves the way too away from disease.

Fuel used in Family

Fuel is essential to cook food. Government has given many schemes and provision of

Kerosene on subsidiary basis for the eligible card holders and with the Aadhar card, subsidy

is given for gas. In rural areas and urban areas the women folk were still unaware of this

subsidy , and also ‘fear of gas’ exist among them.

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TABLE: 4.17

TYPES OF FUEL USED IN THE FAMILY

Sl.No Types of Fuel No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Wood 68 13.6

2 Gas 45 9.0

3 Kerosene 233 46.6

4 Coal 154 30.8

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.17) shows majority (46.6%) of the respondents were using

Kerosene to cook food that they were getting easily on subsidiary basis regularly. 30.8

percent of them were using Coal, 13.6 percent were using Wood and only 9 percent were

using Gas to cook food, and affordable to use Gas. However, subsidy is being given to get

Gas connection, but the people in both the areas were not ready to apply and to get Aadhar

card. Many developments taken place in our social life. But whether we accept and adapt is

important.

Any habit of consuming alcohol

Alcoholism is a condition in which a person is addicted to alcohol. The impact of the

drinker‘s abuse or addiction is usually manifested differently with each member of the family

and has long term implications, mainly it has its impact on child development.

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TABLE: 4.18

HABIT OF CONSUMING ALCOHOL BY THE LIFE PARTNERS

Sl.No Habit of Consuming

Alcohol

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Regular 315 63.0

2 Occasional 179 35.8

3 Non-users 6 1.2

Total 500 100.0

This Table shows (4.18) majority (63%) of them were addicted to the regular

consumption of Alcohol. 35.8 percent of them addicted to this habit on certain intervals like

weekly once. 19 percent on monthly basis, 11.6 percent and occasionally 5.2 percent. It is

also noticed that only 1.2 percent did not addict to this habit. Even though their better half

were self employed, able to maintain the family and society, they didn’t change themselves

in habit of consuming Alcohol whether they were in urban or rural.

Effect of smoking

Smoking is injurious to health. This is a popular advertisement seen everywhere,

because it contains Nicotine, which is harmful to health. It also leads to some other diseases

and affects the health of family members.

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TABLE: 4.19

OBJECTION TO THE HABIT OF SMOKING

Sl.No Objection to the Habit

of Smoking

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Yes 205 41.0

2 No 291 58.2

3 Rarely object 4 0.8

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.19) shows majority (58.2%) said that they did not object the habit of

smoking, because they would not listen to their words. 41 percent of the respondents raised

objection towards smoking habit and took actions to give up the habit. Another 0.8 percent

said that of smoking and find out strategies to make them to give up the habit. The reasons to

object smoking habit are due to economic ability and stability to face them, awareness about

their health, and preventive measures regarding that.

Balanced Diet

We need food to live and grow. Balanced Diet may be defined as one, which contains

the various groups of food stuffs, such as energy yielding foods body building foods and

protective that an individual is assured of obtaining the minimum requirements of all the

nutrients. - Swaminathan. The nutritive value of common Indian food preparations has been

worked out and published in a booklet. ‘Balanced Diets and Nutritive Value of Common

Indian Recipes’ by CFTRI Mysore: [Central Food Technological Research Institute].

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TABLE: 4.20

BALANCED DIET

Sl.No Diet No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Balanced 291 58.2

2 To some extent

balanced

209 41.8

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.20) shows majority (58.2%) were aware of balanced diet and

able to follow it. Whereas remaining 41.8 percent were aware of balanced diet to some extent

and struggled to know about it, to include in their daily intake of food. After joining in

Mahasemam, the womenfolk and their family members started to think about their health

status and controlled in their Diet in all the areas.

DIAGRAM 4.9

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Food Habits

Among the policies related to poverty reduction microfinance and microcredit

programmes occupy a central position for the people who are below the poverty line. It

enhances the effectiveness of microfinance as an antipoverty intervention. IFAD

TABLE: 4.21

MEALS PER DAY

Sl. No Meals per Day No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 One 34 6.8

2 Two 415 83.0

3 Three 51 10.2

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.21) shows majority (83%) were able to get only two meals properly per

day. Only 10.2 percent were satisfied with three meals per day. 6.8 percent were struggling to

meet at least one meal per day. Both in urban and rural areas: when the income of the family

increases the meals per day increases. This shows the dynamic change in their life.

Savings Ability

Saving is a key factor to join in self help group. Sahu states that self help groups are

mostly informal groups of people, where members pool their savings and relend in the group

on rotational basis, depending upon Individual Consumption Production (or) Investment

needs. They promote savings among members and use the pooled common resources to meet

the emergent credit needs of members.

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TABLE: 4.22

SAVINGS ABILITY OF THE RESPONDENTS

Sl. No Savings Ability No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Below Rs.500 289 57.8

2 Above Rs.500 201 40.2

3 No savings 10 2.0

Total 500 100.0

According to this Table (4.22) majority (57.8%) of the respondents, have the savings

ability of below Rs.500 per month. 40.2 percent have the savings ability of above Rs.500 per

month and 2 percent of them are not able to go for savings. Both the areas rural and urban the

womenfolk realized the importance of savings and started to save the amount what they got.

DIAGRAM 4.10

Availing Loan for Better Livelihood

Ministry of Human Resource Development explained that self help groups are

extremely helpful in allowing the NGO’s to be known to a large number of Individuals

Intimately and to relate them in a variety of ways including facilitating credit availability.

191

Micro finance provides a medium for ensuring optimizing use of financial resources.

Mahasemam arranges loan to start micro enterprises, such as agribusiness, animal husbandry,

manufacturing and trading activities. Women entrepreneurs find means source of earning by

acquiring skills and techniques. Mahasemam provides loan to its members after 3 months of

joining.

TABLE: 4.23

AMOUNT RECEIVED AS LOAN

Sl.No Loan No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Given 464 92.8

2 Not given 36 7.2

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.23) shows majority 92.80 percent of them availed loans whereas only

7.20 percent of them never availed any loan provided by Mahasemam. To all its members, it

has been extending loan and education scholarship to the member’s children as a part of its

social commitment to improve the educational level of the children of its members.

Utilization of Fund

Group cohesiveness tends to create uniformities; the member’s attraction to the group

motivates them to develop common goals. However, the members may not always be having

in exactly the same way even when they hold the same attitudes. - Berkowitz

This helps women to promote the empowerment of women in all technological

activities, ensure their full equal participation. They are provided significantly education,

skills that are needed to create their own career to achieve greater self-reliance, self

confidence and fulfill national goals.

192

TABLE: 4.24

PURPOSE OF LOAN FOR UTILIZATION

Sl.No Purpose of Loan No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Education 122 24.4

2 Business 141 28.2

3 Medical 116 23.2

4 Housing 48 9.6

5 Others 73 14.6

Total 500 100.0

According to Table (4.24) shows majority (28.2%) of the respondents received loan

for business. 24.4 percent received loan for education, whereas 23.2 percent of them received

loan for medical purpose. 14.6 percent of them received loan for other purpose and only 9.6

percent received for the purpose of housing. Both in rural and urban areas the crucial of

Mahasemam towards their members is mobilizing and motivating them to make proper use of

their natural resources, thereby ensuring effective and sustainable use of natural resources for

solving the unemployment problems in our country.

193

DIAGRAM 4.11

Awareness on the Functions of Mahasemam

Awareness creation for women to take appropriate action to close gender gaps of

gender inequalities: There must be recognition that their problems stem from Structural and

Institutional discrimination. They must also recognize the role of women themselves often

play in reinforcing the system that restrict their growth.The microfinance more than a credit

is added to thrift, literacy, skills, livelihoods, shelter and health to ease the poor away from

risks and uncertainty in life. Using their skill set and constant effort expertise enabled them to

put the effort reaping a good harvest. Loans for celebrating festival, functions and emergency

needs were given at zero interest. New houses were assisted in association with Habitat for

Humanity for repairing and renovation of their homes. Members were all insured against life

risk with LIC. Solar energy concept is developed introducing lantern at affordable cost

reaching the poor mass.

194

TABLE: 4.25

AWARE OF DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS BY ITS MEMBERS

Sl.No Awareness No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Financial assistance 79 15.8

2 Awareness creation of

social issues

73 14.6

3 Mutual understanding 68 13.6

4 Leadership quality 70 14.0

5 Feeling of empowerment 70 14.0

6 Feeling of oneness 70 14.0

7 Assisting needy people 70 14.0

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.25) shows majority (15.8%) of the respondents were aware of financial

assistance by Mahasemam. 14.6 percent of them created awareness on social issue. 13.6

percent of them were aware of importance of mutual understanding. 14 percent were aware of

leadership qualities. Another 14 percent were aware of the empowerment. 14 percent were

aware of feeling of oneness and 14 percent were aware of assisting needy people in time.

Now, women overcome the inbuilt obstacles of keeping themselves high, show self

confidence and empower themselves, such as, sense of self worth, right to have and

determine choices, right to have access to opportunities and resources, right to have power to

control their own lives within and outside their home. Ability to influence the direction of

social charge to create a more, just social and economic order nationally and internationally:

195

DIAGRAM 4.12

Repayment of Loan

Hooja explained that self help can do something to improve itself by its own efforts

and that any approach for outside help should be resorted only after it has exhausted its own

resources fully. They feel that the government should freely meet their needs, because, they

are poor. A sustainable self help group continues to function well over the long-term

performance depends on members, over all socio economic development and empowerment.

(Kropp and Suran 2002): The client repayment is regular in every weekly schedule. The

assets are verified and confirmed that the entire amount is used for the purpose demanded.

TABLE: 4.26

REPAYMENT PERIOD OF LOAN

Sl.No Repayment Period No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Able to repay once in a

week

406 81.2

2 Unable to repay once in

a week

94 18.8

Total 500 100.0

196

The Table (4.26) shows majority (81.20%) of the members of Mahasemam was

prompt in repayment of the loan once in a week and only 18.80 percent of the members were

unable to repay once in a week. In addition to economic empowerment, a new society with

human values was emerging by the Intervention of Mahasemam. The unemployed become

self employed. Those women considered as burden were productive and main contributor for

their family was economic well being. They were conscious of their rights and mobilizing

resources for their own development and for the community.

Care taken by Mahasemam

Mahasemam provides need based training to the members and help them to start a

livelihood program. It conducts health camps regularly at the branches every Saturday and

Sunday for the members and their family. Free distribution of medicine and free consultation

are done for the poor. Thus Mahasemam, cares financial services for hard working micro

women entrepreneurs to start on expand micro businesses. Income realized from this business

provides better food, housing health care and education for families.

Non – Financial services such as legal assistance, socio – economic services -like

providing sanitation facilities and drinking water facilities etc, with a view to help the poor

woman to provide all the above said services under one roof. Promoting co – operation and

self help attitude, good habit of savings, helping members in acquiring and use of appropriate

technical knowledge and managerial skills in relation to their occupation in order to Increase

Productivity and creating awareness on their health and grilling special attention to

population control measures.

197

TABLE: 4.27

CARE TAKEN BY MAHASEMAM TOWARDS MEMBERS

Sl.No Care taken by M/m No. of Respondents Percentage

1 More than enough care 418 83.6

2 Sufficient care 73 14.6

3 Not Sufficient care 9 1.8

Total 500 100.0

According to the Table (4.27) shows majority (83.6 %) of the respondents said that

Mahasemam have given more than enough care towards its member’s whereas 14.6 percent

said that they were given sufficient care and only 1.8 percent of them said that the care given

by Mahasemam was Not Sufficient. Anyhow in all the areas, Mahasemam created

appropriate awareness among the members for their all round development in the society.

Performance of Mahasemam

The Vision of Mahasemam is to help two million families out of poverty by 2015 and

Mission is to provide Innovative and sustainable financial service in order to empower poor

women. It is mainly to eradicate poverty and enabling a better quality of life for them and

their families. Accordingly members who received financial support from Mahasemam find

self employment regular flow of earning and get sustainability.

Mahasemam is launching awareness Campaigns among the women group through

Intention, Information and Innovation. It is Imperative to organize them into self help of

empowerment of women aims at generate an environment, where women have the

psychological potency to overcome the discriminations. Simultaneously it is directed to

transform the prejudiced norms guiding the society. Hence Mahasemam at its level best

extended the valuable services for women.

198

TABLE: 4.28

PERFORMANCE OF MAHASEMAM ON WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

Sl.No Performance No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Good 317 63.4

2 Better 164 32.8

3 Moderately good 19 3.8

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.28) shows majority (63.4%) of the respondents said that they were able to get

proper guidance to develop their status. 32.8 percent of them responded that the guidance and

help were under process, which helps to strengthen the skill required for women. 3.8 percent

of them revealed that they were motivated by services and were benefitted out of their

excellent performance. They support to the women clients at their door steps in remote

villages and in the urban slum areas, with a view to develop their entrepreneurial skill.

Functions of Mahasemam

Empowerment as a concept was Introduced at the International Women’s Conference

in 1985 at Nairobi. The Conference defined Empowerment as a ‘redistribution of social

power and control of resources in favor of women’. Various dimensions of empowerment

include Psychological, Cultural, Social, Political and Economic Empowerment.

Psychological Empowerment means to establish Individual Identity, Self Image, Increasing

Self Esteem and Developing Capabilities.

Cultural empowerment will entail redefining gender rules and norms and recreating

cultural practices. Social empowerment includes literacy social leadership, community action

and social inclusion. Political power and then accessing it: Economic empowerment occurs

when income security is attained productive assets are possessed. To attain social, cultural,

economic and political empowerment womenfolk join in Mahasemam.

199

TABLE: 4.29

ORIENTATION ON THE FUNCTIONS OF MAHASEMAM FOR WOMEN

MEMBERS

Sl.No Orientation No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Revolving fund 133 26.6

2 Provision of Sanitation

Facility & Water

117 23.4

3 Group Formation &

Training of Women

Members

120 24.0

4 Aware if available

Government Welfare

Programs for Women

130 26.0

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.29) shows majority (26.6%) were aware of revolving fund, 26 percent of

them were aware of available government welfare programs for women. 24 percent of them

were aware of group formation and training of women members and 23.4 percent got

orientation on provision of sanitation and water facility. In both the urban and rural areas, it is

a process of transforming one’s life situation by gaining control over the environment

External as well as Internal.

Awareness on Poverty Alleviation

“Poverty is the worst form of violence”. - Mahatma Gandhi. Realizing this

Mahasemam, have taken efforts and steps as a crusade for empowering women. On this line

training programs were being arranged for its members. To mention a few – Communication,

Microfinance:

Leadership

Gender sensitization

200

Legal awareness

Income generation

Intergroup relationship

Marketing feasibility

Characteristics of groups

Interpersonal relationship

Product training

Social analysis

Government Welfare schemes

Decision making

Issues handling

Political awareness

Maintenance and

Team building is such steps to empower them economically.

Self realization and self initiative are the two most powerful weapons to wash poverty

out from the world map. -Economist Chanakya

Through Mahasemam there have been radical changes in the lifestyles attitudes and

approach of the rural and urban women, Today

- They are managing their own affairs,

- Participate in household decision-making

- Generating their own source of income within their groups, their unity and

strength have opened new vistas for social development.

201

TABLE: 4.30

AWARENESS ON ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Sl. No Aware of Strategies

on Economic

Empowerment


1 Yes 193 38.6

2 No 120 24.0

3 Partial awareness 187 37.4

Total 500 100.0

According to the Table (4.30) shows majority (38.6%) of Mahasemam members were

aware of economic empowerment. 37.4 percent of them were partially aware of it and 24

percent were not aware of the effort on economic empowerment. In rural and urban areas,

these groups create a space for women’s participation is socio economic development.

Usury

Usury is defined either as the practice of making loans with excessive or abusive

interest rates or simply the practice of loaning money with interest. The members of

Mahasemam are cautioned about Usury and its consequences. To come out from Usury, the

developmental programmes clutches of Mahasemam really safeguarded them and they came

to know how to catch fish, instead of seeking help to get fish as rightly said teach them to

catch fish, do not give them fish. To ensure this, Mahasemam now making participation and

application in human welfare, so they ensure food, water, health and energy security of the

people on a sustainable basis and mount a direct, sustained effort on the alleviation of

poverty, enhancing likelihood security.

202

TABLE: 4.31

SAFEGUARDED FROM USURY

Sl. No Safeguard from

Usury


1 Yes 280 56.0

2 No 220 44.0

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.31) shows majority (56.0 %) of the respondents safeguarded from Usury

and 44.0 percent of them were not safeguarded from Usury. With so much of awareness and

exposures, still now due to the urge, the people are getting it for high rate of interest from

the money lenders. The numbers exploited by Usury is reduced, not fully wash out. It is

corrupting them then and there, both in rural and urban areas. The reason is they want the

money, not the source they get. They think only about that moment, not the consequences –

heavy rate of interest which kills them.

Empowered Status

Ganga Bihari Sahu, Surgit Singh, studied the impact of micro finance on women’s

empowerment. Micro finance has got women together and also empowered them in a basic

sense closing the gender gap on aspects such as: women’s ownership of control over assets,

women holding custody of income, women gaining access to domestic and community

economic other resources, women’s, economic versus other roles, women’s indebtedness,

women’s economic social and political empowerment, Duration of membership and women’s

empowerment. After joining in Mahasemam, the members able to fight against the violence

that face them, the reason is their Psychological domain is strengthened by Physical

Capabilities and empowerment includes social, economic, legal and political dimensions.

203

TABLE: 4.32

UPLIFTMENT OF MEMBERS

Sl.No Upliftment of women

Member

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Able to Uplift before

joining in Mahasemam

240 48.0

2 Able to Uplift after

joining in Mahasemam

260 52.0

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.32) shows majority (52%) of the respondents were motivated to uplift

their status to some extent after joining in Mahasemam. Whereas 48 percent of them were in

the clutches of poverty and in the process of uplifting their status before joining in

Mahasemam: Due to increase in their standard of life, womenfolk like to join in the

Mahasemam, as they were the platform to got their necessities in rural and urban areas.

Duration at Mahsemam

Mahasemam provides collateral free loans and promote micro enterprises with the

objective of social empowerment through economic activities. Additional member Enrolment

adds to the member data base of the programme. In addition to the financial support,

extended to under privileged women: It also creates awareness on human rights, women

rights and make possible linkage on women issues, social ethics, women education and

health:

(Moyle, Pollard and Biswas 2006) found that a large shares of Female self help

groups members reported significant development of their self confidence and work

efficiency despite the challenges they face due to the work and responsibility involved with

being an self help group member.

204

TABLE: 4.33

DURATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Sl.No Duration of

Membership


1 14 years and above 299 59.8

2 Up to 14 years 201 40.2

Total 500 100.0

According to the Table (4.33) majority (59.8%) of the respondents became member

and gained services for more than 14 years and above, and 40.2 percent of them were

enrolled as new member and obtained 1-14 years of membership at Mahasemam. In this 14

years of service of Mahasemam, each woman lives here life in a nest around her. The

structure, the context and the forces affecting the nest are different and unique to the nest.

Each woman fights her own battle within the parameters of her nest. The nest is embedded in

a regional socio-political system, a part of national system. The empowerment of women

lives at the heart of this framework.

Trainings at Mahasemam

“An enterprise owned and controlled by a women having a minimum financial

interest of 51% of the capital and giving at least 51% of the employment generated by the

enterprise to women”. - Government of India

Women entrepreneurs find means and sources of earnings by acquiring skills and

techniques. Traditional ventures being converted as income earning programmes to generate

regular earning for their families. They are

Classification of Agri Business – Mushroom, Cereals, Herbal plantation, Nursery

garden, Silk worm rearing and Vegetables.

205

Animal Husbandry – Calf Rearing, Duck sales, Goat rearing, milch animal, Pig

rearing Poultry farm.

Manufacturing – Brick works, Candle making, Wood carving, Leather work, Wire

bag making, Paper Cover and Cup making.

Service related activity – Binding works, Bird case service, Catering service,

Decoration service work, Driving school, Embroiding work, STD booth, Xerox.

Trading Business – Incense sticks, Bangle sales, Beauty parlour, Broiler sales, Chip

sales, Imitation Jewellery, Milk products, Mushroom sales, Phenyl sales, Rangoli

powder sales, Solar lamp sales, Tupperware sales, Fast Food, Water packet sales and

Sugar cane Juice sales.

Legal camps are organized in villages, where the legal services are not easily

accessible. Issues of different types are attended and guidance was provides for solutions.

Awareness also created availing several schemes introduced for the down trodden.

Welfare activities such as group formation and training of women members providing

death compensation to clients and their spouse scholarship to the children of the women

clients, health care services to the clients with Vitamin angels, Vitamin A capsules was

distributed along with Albendozole to reduce blindness among children and Veterinary

Services.

206

TABLE: 4.34

TRAININGS GIVEN TO THE MEMBERS IN MAHASEMAM

S. No Training No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Awareness on health 126 25.2

2 Environmental cleanliness 131 26.2

3 Legal awareness 125 25.0

4 Income generating

programmes

118 23.6

Total 500 100.0

The Table(4.34) shows majority (26.2%) of the respondents attended training on

environmental education. 25.2 percent of them attended awareness programmes on health 25

percent of them attended training on legal awareness programme and 23.6 percent of them

participated trainings on income generating programmes. Every woman wants to attend the

training given by Mahasemam in rural and urban areas, because they understand the

importance of it.

Utilization of Bank Loans

Micro Finance sector was crowned as a savior of the poor. Mahasemam trust engaged

in alleviating poverty since the last decade with a weapon of micro finance initiatives.

The slogan of freeing the poor from poverty was trumpeted towards prosperity. Most

significantly additional income provides hope and opportunity for prosperity in the families.

Mahasemam has introduced a high level of ethical standards in its micro credit activities and

introduced professionalism in its operations besides. Complying with the various regulatory

measures introduced by the government funding agency wise status for micro credit:

1. Small Industries Development Bank of India

2. Corporation Bank

3. Union Bank of India

207

4. ICICI on Lending

5. Canara Bank

6. Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Ltd.

7. Karnataka Bank

8. Federal Bank Ltd.

9. Karur Vysya Bank

10. ICICI Bank

11. Bank of India

12. Habitat for Humanity of India Trust

13. Opportunity Microfinance India Ltd

14. Opportunity Microfinance India Ltd (Managed)

15. Kiara Flurochem Private Limited.

16. Friends of women World Bank

17. Catholic Syrian Bank

18. Agri Development Finance ( Tamilnadu ) Ltd.,

19. Dena Bank

20. Bank of Maharashtra

21. Maanaveeya Development & Finance Ltd.

TABLE: 4.35

AVAILABILITY OF BANK LOANS FOR THE MEMBERS IN MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Duration of

Membership


1 Availed 464 92.8

2 Non Availed 36 7.2

Total 500 100.0

208

The Table (4.35) shows majority (92.80 %) of the respondents privileged to get loan

from Banks with the help of Mahasemam and 7.20 percent of them were not able to avail

loan due to insufficient documents for evidence. Though these banks, the members from

rural and urban areas are getting the loan for their better livelihood, and keep their

commitment to repay loans as their priority.

Capacity Building

Mahasemam contributes maximum possible for the well being of its members, leads

to development of their area. Each woman member was earned a minimum of Rs. 150/- per

day and maximum of Rs.1000/- per day. The hidden talents were explored and used properly.

Regular weekly meeting were conducted in all centres. Apart from that, Mahasemam enhance

the members with leadership skills and equip them with the knowledge on fund management.

In addition to economic empowerment, a new society with human values is emerging

in different villages by the intervention of Mahasemam. The unemployed become self –

employed. They become productive and main contribution for the family’s well – being.

They are also conscious of their rights. Its emphasis is on improvement women’s decision

making capabilities defense against discrimination independent income, non –

discriminatory legal and political rights, an capacity to assert against patriarchal norms

justifying gender differences at the Individual as well as social levels. More attractive scheme

with less effort (finance) is self help group. It is to remove poverty and improve the rural

development - Sabya Sachi Das, 2003

209

TABLE: 4.36

EFFORTS TAKEN BY MAHASEMAM TOWARDS CAPACITY BUILDING

FOR WOMEN MEMBERS

Sl.No Efforts taken on Capacity Building Yes No Moderate Total

1 Legal awareness on human rights, property,

etc

61.6

(308)

20.4

(102)

18.0

(90)

100.0

(500)

2 Able to establish intergroup relationship 80.4

(402)

6.0

(30)

13.6

(68)

100.0

(500)

3 Able to understand interpersonal relationship 55.6

(278)

18.8

(94)

25.6

(128)

100.0

(500)

4 Able to negotiate social issues 49.6

(248)

43.4

(217)

7.0

(35)

100.0

(500)

5 Able to protect against female infanticide 45.6

(228)

25.4

(127)

29.0

(145)

100.0

(500)

6 Aware of killer disease HIV+ 93.6

(468)

0.8

(4)

5.6

(28)

100.0

(500)

7 Willing to participate in local government 60.4

(302)

15.6

(78)

24.0

(120)

100.0

(500)

8 Gain enough political awareness 31.6

(158)

7.6

(38)

60.8

(304)

100.0

(500)

9 Able to do team building

82.4

(412)

5.6

(28)

12.0

(60)

100.0

(500)

10 Aware of available government welfare

programmes

89.4

(447)

1.4

(7)

9.2

(46)

100.0

(500)

According to the Table (4.36) majority (61.6%) said that they were aware of legal

rights. 26.4 percent were not aware of it and 18 percent were gained moderate legal

awareness. Majority (80.4%) of them were able to establish intergroup relationship 13.6

percent may be able to do it to some extent. 6 percent were not much good at establishing

relationship, through some interactive sessions were arranged for them. Majority (55.6%) was

210

able to understand interpersonal relationship, 25.6 percent were trying to understand

interpersonal relationship and 18.8 percent were not able to understand interpersonal

relationship, through some group activities were arranged to them. Majority (49.6%) were

able to negotiate social issues, 43.4 percent were not able to negotiate social issues, and 7

percent were trying to negotiate it, however various other group activities were being

arranged for them regularly.

Majority (45.6%) of them said that they were protected against female infanticide

whereas 29 percent were trying to protect against it and 25.4 percent were not aware of steps

to protect female infanticide. However, importance of girl child and issues on girl child were

being organized to eradicate sex discrimination.

Majority (93.6%) were aware of killer disease, such as HIV+ and other diseases, 5.6

percent were trying to be aware about those diseases. Only 8 percent were not aware about

HIV+ and other diseases. By identifying their level, Mahasemam is being periodically

organizing health awareness programme.

Majority (60.4%): were willing to participate in local governance, 24 percent were

trying to know the details about it and 15.6 percent were not willing to participate in local

governance. But enough awareness was being created among them.

Majority (60.8%): of them gaining political awareness, 31.6 percent moderately

aware of political issues and 7.6 percent were not aware of politics due to their poverty and

inability to take part in it.

Majority (82.4%): were able to do team building whereas 12 percent were trying to

do it. Only 5.6 percent were unable to do team building. Hence an in-depth practice was

being implemented by Mahasemam.

Majority (89.4%) were not aware of available government welfare programmes, 9.2

percent were trying to aware about the programs and 1.4 percent were not at all aware of

211

government welfare programmes. The reasons for moderate and no were still, that the

capacity building has to develop through the education and awareness of women in the rural

areas.

Changing trends in the Status of Women

Mathew P.M and M.S Nair rightly stated that self help groups are now seen as

mobilizes and participatory mechanisms to increase the visibility and bargaining power of

women to strengthen their voice in development decisions and to develop economic activities

on a collective basis and ensure access to developmental inputs.

The solidarity and strength obtained from being together with other women placed in

similar circumstances is a powerful factor in empowering the women and building their sense

of self worth and self confidence. The self help groups act as a support group developing

courage and offering mutual solace and comfort to the members. It is when training in

accounts and manager inputs are given, that the availability of credit leads to the setting up of

successful ventures. This success in turn leads to a growth of their confidence and improves

their status at home and in the community. The self help groups have created better

understanding between the members of the different religious groups as the members belong

to different religions.

Self help groups formed a separate women’s group for patrolling the forest. This

special group is called vasantha sena (Green force). The environment development committee

is along with them. Thanthai periyar is emerging as a role model of women empowerment for

biodiversity conservation.

(SHGs) This helps in the adoption of new technologies and helps to disseminate

information to the micro level. They are proud to be a woman. – The Microfinance Times,

Jan 20, 2011.

212

TABLE: 4.37

CHANGING TRENDS IN THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Changing Trends in

status of women member

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Yes 394 78.8

2 No 106 21.2

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.37) shows majority (78.8%) were willing to uplift their status

constructively whereas 21.2 percent of the respondents were not interested in any

improvement since the economic condition of the family was not in favorable condition. For

some conditions, the rural womenfolk needs more time to change themselves after they join

in any self help groups.

Challenges

Self help group is a small voluntary association of poor people, preferably from the

sane socio – economic background. They come together for the purpose of solving their

common problems through self help and mutual help. The self help group promotes small

savings among its members. This common fund is in the name of self help group based on the

principles of self help supplemented with mutual help can be a powerful vehicle for the poor

in their socio economic level.

Participative financial services management is more responsive and efficient poor

need not only credit support, but also savings and other services, poor can save and are

bankable and self help groups are clients result in wider outreach. Therefore there is no

barrier in the outreach of the client loan outstanding and lending by banks. No doubt that they

are in reaching the unreached areas and pockets in the country. Nevertheless the unremitting

213

toil crowned micro finance programme with an unending success down falling greatly the

poor from the clutch of poverty trap.

Veena Kumari (2010) conducted a research on women empowerment and

development through micro finance in India to study relationship between micro finance

availability and economic development and measure women empowerment. Through micro

finance which suggests that microfinance institutions and self help groups are new means to

reduce poverty in general and empowerment of women in particular.

Empowerment of women through self help groups would lead to benefits not only to

the individual women and women groups but also for the family and community as a whole

through collective action for development. Empowering is not just for meeting their

economic needs but also through more holistic social development

(Murugan and Dharmalingam: – 2000)

Empowerment is to provide tools and infrastructure needed to succeed in any field of

Endeavour. Violence against women means any act of gender based violence that results in,

or is likely to result in Physical or Psychological harm or suffering to women, including

threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public

or private life.

(Ganesh.P 2008) Mahasemam organizes free legal aid programmes to attend and

discuss on legal issues pertaining to women harassment, abuses, domestic violence, family

disputes and women rights on family properties. By this they gain confidence in facing

domestic violence.

214

Table: 4.38

CONFIDENCE IN FACING CHALLENGES BY THE RESPONDENTS IN

MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Indicators of Empowerment Yes No Total

1 Able to contribute towards family 95.2

(476)

4.8

(24)

100.0

(500)

2 Able to approach the bank works 94.2

(471)

5.8

(29)

100.0

(500)

3 Able to improve standard of living 71.4

(357)

28.6

(143)

100.0

(500)

4 Able to improve leadership & communication

skills

52.4

(262)

47.6

(238)

100.0

(500)

5 Awareness on health education 95.6

(478)

4.4

(22)

100.0

(500)

6 Freedom to take decision in household affairs 50.8

(254)

49.2

(246)

100.0

(500)

7 Awareness about sex discrimination 51.8

(259)

48.2

(241)

100.0

(500)

8 Awareness on reproductive health issues 77.6

(388)

22.4

(112)

100.0

(500)

9 Awareness on women’s literacy

82.4

(412)

17.6

(88)

100.0

(500)

10 Freedom to take part in societal matters 73.6

(368)

26.4

(132)

100.0

(500)

The Table (4.38) shows majority (94.2%) were able to contribute towards family

development, whereas 4.8 percent were not able to contribute towards family development.

Majority (94.2%): were able to approach the necessary bank works individually, but 4.8

percent were unable to do it. Majority (71.4%): were able to improve the standard of living to

the extent possible, and 28.6 percent were striking hard and unable to get motivation.

215

Majority (52.4%): were capable of developing leadership and communication skills, 47.6

percent were not trying hard to sharpen their skills. Majority (95.6%) had enough awareness

on health education, only 4.4 percent did not have much knowledge on health. Majority

(50.8%) had freedom to take decision in household affairs, but 49.2 percent did not have

liberty in deciding matters on domestic affairs. Majority (51.8%) were aware of sex

discrimination. Whereas 48.2 percent did not have any idea on sex discrimination: Majority

(77.6%) had awareness on reproductive health issues. Only 22.4 percent were not aware of it.

Majority (82.4%) agreed about the importance on women’s literacy and how it helps them to

take care of the family where as 17.6 percent did not bother about it. Majority (73.6%) had

freedom to take part in societal matters, only 26.4 percent of them have to get acceptance

from family members. In the rural areas, confidence in facing challenges has to gain in forth

coming years.

Health Awareness

The special difficulties that women face are their extra ordinary work burden or lack

of access to health care. They eat much less than they should, which leaves them extremely

malnourished and susceptible to diseases. But now through Mahasemam health camps, they

give right information about food, nutrition, reproductive health issues usage of

contraceptives, hygiene and primary health care.

Mahasemam conducts health camps at all the branches for its members and their

family once in three months, at free of cost. A team of four Doctors (Gynaecologist,

Ophthalmologist and General Physicians) Nurses and technicians from Meenakshi Mission

Hospital and Research Centre, Madurai are present at the camp. Mahasemam aims to connect

all branches to Meenakshi Mission hospital and Research Centre via Telemedicine for better

consultation. Using Telemedicine in micro finance is an innovation on its own.

216

TABLE: 4.39

AWARENESS OF MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR THE RESPONDENTS IN

MAHASEMAM

S.No Awareness of

Medical facilities

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Yes 327 65.4

2 No 173 34.6

Total 500 100.0

According to the Table(4.39) majority (65.4%) were aware of available Medical

facilities for different health issues with the help of Mahasemam and 34.6 percent were not

aware of available Medical facilities, even though Mahasemam tried its best to give them

sufficient message.

Grievances

Mahasemam is committed to create a broader and larger micro credit network

integrating a high level of ethical standards in its micro credit activities. Based on a similar

model of sustainable funding in Bangladesh, Mahasemam offers micro-loans to married

women aged 18-55 years. Where in TamilNadu currently runs 36 branches in four districts

with 108,249 female members this is growing every day. Five female members constitute a

group, eight groups form a centre and each centre has 40 members. A branch consists of 40 to

50 centres headed by a branch manager. In this small homogenous group with more

interaction if any disputes arise, it is solved then and there due to the bureaucracy formed in

Mahasemam.

The field staff at the field is more concern of the well being of the marginalized poor.

More than the soft and hardware trainings, they are motivated to expose to human touch.

217

Assessment and appraisals at sanctioning of credit and credit plus services are strictly

adhered ensuring the benefit reach the right people. Strict supervisions are carried out to

make use of the benefits reaching the community as projected in the plans and policies.

Field development officer periodically address the groups in the meetings, answering

the queries raised then and there in their group. Group leader of the groups actively

participating by themselves and making importance of their attendance and interactions in the

gathering:

TABLE: 4.40

GRIEVANCES OF THE RESPONDENTS BY MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Addressing the

Grievances by

Mahasemam


1 Yes 366 73.2

2 No 134 26.8

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.40) shows majority (73.2%) were able to tell their grievances and get it

solved with the help of Mahasemam. Mahasemam is addressing the issues raised by members

with due attention and care, and proper follow up is also being maintained, whereas 26.8

percent were not able to tell these issues and so it was not addressed by the Mahasemam.

Expectations of Members

A country’s total growth depends on the contribution of the women who are almost

half of the population. Women on whom a long-term investment has been made them as

greater bargaining power: Trainings made them, to take care more in environment

cleanliness, then comes awareness on health and aid awareness.

218

The present National Agriculture Technological Project (NATP), mission mode

project entitled “Empowerment of women in Agriculture was envisaged for technological and

economic empowerment of farm women to reduce their drudgeries, increase work efficiency

in the context of agriculture and animal husbandry and improve socio-economic conditions

for improved quality of life.

The spirit of Mahasemam is defined by the Tamil word “SEMAM” which means

“well-being”. In Mahasemam, women become “well-being” by themselves. Sharma (1992)

defines women empowerment as “Process aimed at changing the nature and direction of

systematic forces which marginalize women and other disadvantaged sections in a given

context. The levels of Empowerment are Welfare Access Conscientisation and Participation.

In Mahasemam, the group structure is based on stability, group norms, standards,

positions, authority and responsibilities. Group structure is developed to regulate the actions

of its group members. The group power (expert power, legitimate power, assumed power) is

the ability to control some aspect of the behaviour of others. Self actualization, self

realization, independent activities and effective thinking raise the morale of an individual. It

strengthens their innate ability through acquiring knowledge, power and experience.

Mahasemam motivating their members about the need for their organized committed

and active participation in various developmental programmes to organize their power to

provide them the real opportunity to participate in formulation of various policies:

219

TABLE: 4.41

MEMBERS EXPECTATION TOWARDS MAHASEMAM

Sl.No Expectation No. of Respondents Percentage

1 Viable Marketing linkage 114 22.8

2 Free Medical Insurance 66 13.2

3 Personal Loan 128 25.6

4 Home Loan 107 21.4

5 International training 85 17.0

Total 500 100.0

The Table (4.41) shows majority (25.6%) were expected personal loan to meet their

domestic needs. 22.8 percent were expected viable marketing linkage or networking, 21.4

percent were expected to construct new houses with home loan, 17.0 percent of them

expected to have training by International Institution to get wide exposure and 13.2 percent

expected to have free medical Insurance for them and their family members. In turn the

members were also willing to extend their full co-operation in fulfilling the goals of

Mahasemam. In every centre, in the branch of Mahasemam, they had all these expectations

towards them, whether it is rural or urban area in Madurai.

220

DIAGRAM 4.13

EFFECTS

Women are not human beings with a spiritual experience women are spiritual beings

with a human experience. In the Micro credit submit preparatory meeting (1995) Hillary

Clinton said, it is called micro, but its impact on people is macro. Women’s self help groups

were evaluated, not in terms of their success as micro credit schemes from a financial

perspective, but in relation to their contribution to gender development. Evidence emerged

that women perceived changes in their identity towards working collectively of influence for

change at the Village and Panchayat level.

Nagaraj Naik R defines as a group of people possessing a common experience,

problems and condition or situation that come together to share their experience, knowledge,

ideas and to give and receive support from others with the same experience. Government is

keen to bring down interest rate on bank loans to SHGs and make it on par with that for crop

looms – [Rural development minister Jairam ramesh July 18, 2011, New Delhi]

The women’s empowerment principles, the product of collaboration between

UNIFEM and UN global compact informed by an International multi-stake holder

consultation, are adapted from the Calvert women’s principles. The Calvert women’s

221

principles were originally developed in partnership with uniform & launched in 2004 as the

first global corporate code of conduct focused exclusively on empowering advancing and

investing in women world wide - Uniform United nations development fund for women.

Mahasemam provide innovative and sustainable financial services with help in order

to empower poor women to eradicate poverty enabling a better quality of life for them and

their families. They are honest, excellence, love and affection with the members and

patriotism with the country. So, they fulfilled their mission, social values and they are trying

to fulfill their vision as to help two million families out of poverty by 2015.

H – Honesty E – Excellence

L – Love and affection P – Power in women & patriotism

Members of Mahasemam are eagerly participating in the discussion and decision

making process orally and mentally in the group meetings, because of equal opportunity and

encouragement given to all the members for their full participation in the meeting, the

illiterate members evince interest and make an effort to become literates. They promote co-

operation and be united in the group. They take the necessary collective sanction against

willful defaulters and recover the loan amount.

They involve in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluate the development

programmes of their family and environment. The members take responsibility careful for

their all- round development and also take leadership responsibility in the group with service

motire. So, through Mahasemam they attained better leadership in which they are getting

many chances to face various issues.

There are certain a social economic, natural force brings social change, e.g: Material

condition of life, effort and rational planning, economic factors (production, distribution and

exchange), political evolutions. Deterministic theory of social change

222

TABLE: 4.42

SUGGESTION ON EFFECT OF MAHASEMAM ON ITS MEMBERS

Sl.No Suggestion on Impact of

its Members

No. of

Respondents

Percentage

1 Conducting more income

generation programmes

109 21.8

2 Giving product training 44 8.8

3 Issues on women health 71 14.2

4 Government welfare

schemes

52 10.4

5 Regarding decision making 41 8.2

6 Courage on issues handling 85 17.0

7 Practice giving on team

building

98 19.6

Total 500 100.0

This Table (4.42) shows majority (21.8%) of the members of Mahasemam needed

many income generation programmes .19.6 percent of them wanted to get practice on team

building. 17 percent wanted to develop the confidence to handle the issues wherever they

were 14.2 percent of members were expected to have awareness about their health issues.

10.4 percent wanted more knowledge on government welfare schemes. 8.8 percent expected

small trade training that was after the income generation programmes, individually product

training has to be given for innovative skill and doubts can be clarified personally without

any shy. And 8.2 percent of them, wanted themselves to be a right decision maker at the right

time. So they preferred skill based training, yoga classes and personality development to

relieve from tension and stress. A woman from Urban or Rural area, can learn, earn and turn

for their upliftment, in life.

223

TABLE 4.43

PROTECTION FROM USURY

Duration of Member in Mahasemam

Yes No Total

14 Years and above 163

(58.20%) 136

(61.80%) 299

(59.80%) Up to 14 Years

117

(41.80%) 84

(38.20%) 201

(40.20%)

Total 280

(56.00%) 220

(44.00%) 500

(100.00%)

Over and above the Table (4.43) reveals that out of the 500 respondents, Majority 56

percent of them was protected from usury and 44 percent of them are in the problems of

usury. Out of 299 respondents of more than 14 years and above as members in Mahasemam.

(54.52%) were able to protect themselves from usury and 45.48% were in the clutches of

usury. It clearly shows that the participation in the programmes of Mahasemam and enough

exposure helped them to get rid of usury problems.

224

TABLE 4.44

ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT VS DURATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Awareness of Economic

Empowerment

14 Years and above

Up to 14 years

Total

Aware of it

118 (39.50%)

75 (37.30%)

193 (38.60%)

Unaware of it 26

(8.70%) 94

(46.80%) 120

(24.00%)

Partially aware of it 155

(51.80%) 32

(15.90%) 187

(37.40%)

Total

299 (59.80%)

201 (40.20%)

500 (100.00%)

This Table (4.44) shows that Majority 51.80 percent of them are Partially aware of

Economic Empowerment. Out of 299 respondents, 51.9 % of them are member in

Mahasemam for 14 Years and above 39.5 % of them are aware of Economic Empowerment

and 8.7 % are aware of it being a member in Mahasemam for up to 14 Years and above.

46.8% of the respondents , being member in Mahasemam, up to 14 years of more

than are unaware of Economic Empowerment, where as 37.30 % are aware of it and 15.9 %

are Partially aware of Economic Empowerment.

225

TABLE 4.45

BEFORE THE ENTRY INTO MAHASEMAM

Upliftment of Women

Aware of it

Unaware of it

PartiallyAware

of it Total

Before Joining in

Mahesemam

26 (13.50%)

98 (81.70%)

116 (62.00%)

240 (48.00%)

After Joining in Mahasemam

167 (86.50%)

22 (18.30%)

71 (38.00%)

260 (52.00%)

Total 193

(38.60%)120

(24.00%) 187

(37.40%)500

(100.00%)

According Table (4.45) shows that Majority 86.50 percent of the respondents are

aware of Economic Empowerment after joining in Mahasemam, where the Women are

uplifted. Whereas 81.70%: of the respondents are unaware of Economic Empowerment,

before they join in Mahasemam. And 62.00 % of them are partially aware of Economic

Empowerment before they join in Mahasemam, 38.00 % are partially aware of Economic

Empowerment, even though they joined in Mahasemam.

Attendance

TABLE 4.46

ATTENDANCE IN THE PROGRAMMES OF MAHASEMAM

Programmes of Mahasemam

Attendance Total

Regular Not Regular Financial Assistance

398 (79.60%)

102 (20.40%)

500 (100.00%)

Awareness Campaign

248 (49.60%)

252 (50.40%)

500 (100.00%)

Capacity Building

312 (62.40%)

188 (36.60%)

500 (100.00%)

226

The Table (4.46) shows the categorization of programmes given by Mahasemam. Out

of which Majority (79.60%) of the members attended and motivated by programmes a

financial assistance irrespective of the experience they gained at Mahasemam. Next to it,

62.40% of them attended Capacity Building which includes soft skills, empowerment and

other personality development programmes. The organizers of Mahasemam too very keen in

mobilizing the members for such programmes as it involve experts of respective field.

As regards awareness campaign on literacy, health, violence against women and other

relevant social issues, only 49.60% of them interested in giving attendance.

TABLE 4.47

INCOME VS MEALS AT HOME

Income Meals per day Monthly Income 1 2 3 Total Below Rs.5000

(317) 26

(8.20%) 289

(57.80%) 2

(0.40%) 317

(63.40%) Above Rs.5000

(183) 8

(4.37%) 126

(25.20%) 49

(9.80%) 183

(36.60%) Total

34

(6.80%) 415

(83.00%) 51

(10.20%) 500

(100.00%)

It is evident from the Table (4.47) that out of 500 respondents, Majority (83.00%) of

them were able to get two meals per day and out of 317 respondents belonged to the income

level of below Rs.5000/- per month. 57.80 % were able to get only two meals per day. Out of

183 respondents belonged to the income level of Rs.5000/- and above majority (25.20)% of

them were able to get only two meals per day. It clearly depicted the picture of poverty.

227

TABLE 4.48 SAVINGS ABILITY AMONG WOMEN

Income Meals per day

Monthly Income Below

Rs.500/- Above

Rs.500/- No Savings Total

Below Rs.5000 (317)

196 (61.80%)

114 (35.90%)

7 (2.20%)

317 (63.40%)

Above Rs.5000

(183) 93

(50.80%) 87

(47.50%) 3

(1.16%) 183

(36.60%)

Total 289

(57.80%) 201

(40.20%) 10

(2.00%) 500

(100.00%) The Table (4.48) shows that out of 500 SHG Women, 63.40% belonged to Below

Rs.5000/- as income per month and 36.60% belonged to above Rs.5000 as income per month.

Out of 317 respondents of below Rs.5000/- as income per month, Majority (61.80%) of them

were able to save as Rs.500/PM and out of 183 respondents of above Rs.5000 as income per

month 50.80% of them were able to save Rs.500/- per month and 47.50 % were able to save

more then Rs.500 per month. It is quite clear that almost all have the intension to save some

money from their meager income.

Efforts taken to stop smoking habit

TABLE 4.49

EFFORTS TAKEN TO STOP SMOKING HABIT

Being Member in Mahasemam Yes No Rarely Total

14 Years and above 182

(60.80%) 116

(38.70%) 1

(0.30%) 299

(59.80%)

Up to 14 Years 23

(57.50%) 175

(35.00%) 3

(1.50%) 201

(40.20%)

Total 205

(41.00%) 291

(58.20%) 4

(0.80%) 500

(100.00%)

According to the Table (4.49) shows majority (58.20%) answered that they did not

object the smoking habit of their husbands though they were the Mahasemam Members. Out

228

of 205 respondents who have objected the habit said that was possible only after 14 Years in

Mahasemam.

Table 4.50

Reasons for Networking with Community members

Reasons for Networking NO. of Respondents

Yes No Total

To Cooperate with each other 422

(84.4)

78

(15.6)

500

(100)

Information and Knowledge

sharing

158

(31.6)

342

(68.4)

500

(100)

Taking Collective action against

problems

482

(96.4)

18

(3.6)

500

(100)

Strengthening of we feeling 342

(68.4)

158

(31.6)

500

(100)

This Table (4.50) describes that majority (84.4%) of the respondents replied

positively that they wanted to cooperate with each other in the self help group. The collective

and constructive response has been contributed to the positive attitude towards networking by

the women in Mahasemam.

They too realized that the commend tile progression in their empowerment level is

due to networking. They were able to interact and share with their members about their day

today living and crisis situation.

About 68.4 Percent of them said they lost interest in sharing knowledge and interest in

sharing knowledge and information, as they struggled with day today affairs, knowledge

enhances the awareness level which takes are from darkness to enlightenment. Though the

women showed their aspiration for acquiring knowledge and information maybe the reason

for networking of Self Help Groups: Knowledge empowers, it helps them to fight against

social evils: It helps them in the process of self assertion. It can be viewed as another possible

realm of functional literacy.

Anpther reason for networking namely, taking collective action against problems is

opted by 96.4 percent of the respondents st highlights the issues that they came forward to

229

accept social changes and openness in social interaction. Joint action may be possible to solve

social problems. This reality reveals another fact those women empowerment through Self

Help Groups is not confined to getting some economic benefit alone but also some

awakening among the respondents.

‘Strengthening of we feeling is another reason for networking 68.4 percent said that

they like to strengthen there are feeling whereas 31.6 percent remain silent which reflect that

they need it at the same time does not know how to react over it.

Table 4.51

Benefits of Networking among members in Mahasemam

Benefits NO. of Respondents

Yes No Total

Gaining Strength 260

(52)

240

(48)

500

(100)

Getting Recognition 279

(55.8)

221

(44.2)

500

(100)

Establishing good rapport 302

(61.4)

298

(39.6)

500

(100)

Moral Strength 269

(53.8)

231

(46.2)

500

(100)

The above table (4.51) highlights that the networking among members is done to gain

strength (52%). It is to get recoginition revealed by 55.8 percent of the respondents.

Networking to establish good rapport stressed by 61.4 percent of respondents: It is to obtain

moral support said by 53.8 percent of respondents ultimately, they were also of the opinion

that they really benefitted from the process of networking. They were able to gain confidence

and know its worth. Because of networking, the respondents were able to act jointly against

social evils. They were also able to gain enough potential to solve the social problems. This

Process in a way give them the opportunity for gaining internal strength.

The participation and social involvement gave them the initiation to achieve

empowerment in all walks of life. They were able to overcome the fear in the mind to

approach various agencies of development both governmental and Non Governmental

Organizations because of their educational status and lack of awareness about the way of

230

functioning of such agencies This led to the emergence of various forms of exploitation and

negligence. It is in this context, the Self Help Group movement is done wonderfully in

awakening the inner strength of women to seek on their own resources to solve both

individual and societal problems.

Table 4.52

Benefits of Networking among members in Mahasemam

S. No Statements No. of Respondents

Yes No Total

1 Decision-making regarding how to

allocate money

307

(61.4)

193

(38.6)

500

(100)

2 Able to Maintain Network 318

(63.6)

182

(36.4)

500

(100)

3 Able to start income generation

activities

418

(83.6)

82

(16.4)

500

(100)

4 Meet Government and Non

Governmental Organizations to

represent the essential matters

288

(57.6)

212

(42.4)

500

(100)

5 Able to attend meetings, marriages,

social gathering individually

242

(48.4)

258

(51.6)

500

(100)

6 Able to have self awareness 298

(59.6)

202

(40.4)

500

(100)

7 Able to claim the rights 158

(31.6)

242

(48.4)

500

(100)

8 Able to pursue education for children 322

(64.4)

178

(35.6)

500

(100)

9 Able to protect environment at their

level

118

(23.6)

382

(76.4)

500

(100)

10 Able to attend temple / religions

activities

312

(62.4)

188

(37.6)

500

(100)

Majority 61.4% of them were able to make decision regarding how to allocate money

for domestic expenditure. It reflected the Self Empowerment which describes the strength to

231

do something through one’s own thoughts and based on the belief that one knows what is best

for oneself.

Majority 63.6% of them were able to maintain network. It strengthened Social

Empowerment which is based on the social aspects including improvement in the quality of

life, learning to do things on their own, happily working together with other members in the

group activities, able to learn new things from others and through networking have access to

new skills. Thus the women who participate in the activities of Mahasemam generally have

social empowerment. Self Help Groups have set a new empowerment agenda for financial

intermediation by banks. Self Help Group as a system has infused synergy among its

members to move up in the socio-economic ladders from passive onlookers into an active

partner/stakeholder in the development process.

Majority 83.6% were able to start income generation activities. Its shows their

Economic Empowerment which describes how the respondents benefited economically from

their active participation in group approach activities: Majority of the respondents of Self

Help Groups are really privileged to enjoy many economic benefits including increased

purchasing power, better living condition, increased level of income economic skills for

income generation able to manage their financial resources and save money, gained

employable skills and overcome their constraints. Economic empowerment refers to earning

power, collective bargaining for economic gains, control over means of production,

involvement in decision-making regarding economic aspects of development of skills in

management. Economic empowerment implies a process of redistribution of resources and

power between different groups. It helps in building confidence, self- assertion and courage.

Majority 57.6% were able to meet Government and Non Governmental Organizations

to represent the essential matters. It gives Political Empowerment which means the giving or

delegation of power or authority. Confidence comes from economic empowerment and they

are able to contest in elections.

Majority 51.6% were not able to attend meetings, marriages, social gathering

individually. As they are weak in excercising strong change, they are poor in Cultural

Empowerment. Cultural Competency is “The set of knowledge and the skills that a individual

must develop in order to be effective with multicultural groups. The culturally compentent

practioner helps the consumer to bring together values and beliefs from the consumer’s own

culture & those of the dominant culture.” (Lum 1999):

232

Majority 59.6% were able to attain self awareness through Psychological

Empowerment. The Respondents of this study have accrued various psychological benefits

including happiness and satisfied life, self confidence and courage, sense of belonging,

feeling better about oneself self awareness and gained more knowledge about many things.

The other psychological feelings such as have freedom of choice, able to stand on their own

and self expression is not up to the marked loud. Hence empowerment is a measure of

people’s capacity to bring about change which is concerned with addressing the dynamics of

oppression and assisting groups and individuals to play an active role.

Majority 48.4% were not able to claim the rights. As they came to know Education

Empowerment is creating realization of rights, opportunities, privileges and various facilities

regarding the advancement of life, It helps to enhance human dignity and rights based

approach atleast for next generation.

Majority 64.4% were able to give good education for children As they were aware of

Legal Empowerment is about strengthening the capacity of all people to exercise their rights,

either as individuals or as members of a community. It is about grass roots justice about

ensuring the law is not confined to books or court rooms but rather is available and

meaningful to ordinary people.

Majority 76.4% were not able to protect environment at their level. Environment

based Empowerment is making women knowledgeable, informative and aware of natural

resources and sustainable development. It promotes women’s participation in all

environmental protection and sustainable development activities.

Majority 62.4% were able to attend temple / religions activities according to their life

style. Spiritual Empowerment comes through Self awareness and it holds the key to freedom

and raising the status of women in society.

233

Table 4.53

GENDER EQUALITY

Sl.No Particulars Yes No

1. After joining in the Mahasemam, Status

of women improved

% %

433 86.6 67 13.4

2. Social status in family is remarkable 319 63.8 181 36.2

3. Self confidence is effective 189 37.8 311 62.2

4. Able to be a decision maker 168 33.6 332 66.4

5. Ready to fight against all the evil

practices faced by women

137 27.4 363 72.6

6. Courage is there to meet the socio-

economic needs

387 77.4 113 22.6

7. Paves the way for self identity 274 54.8 226 45.2

8. Escapes women from money lenders

with high rate of interest

368 73.6 132 26.4

9. Skill development programmes

empower the women

403 80.6 97 19.4

10. Gives proper knowledge about the

rights and privileges in the society

335 67.0 165 33.0

Majority (86.6%) agreed that after joining in the Mahasemam, their status improved,

whereas 13.4 percent said that their status was not improved after joining in Mahasemam.

Majority (63.8%) said that social status in family is remarkable, but 36.2 percent said

that social status in family is not remarkable.

Majority (62.2%) responded that self confidence was not effective, whereas 37.8

percent responded that self confidence was effective.

234

Majority (66.4%) said that they were unable to be a decision maker only 33.6 percent

are able to be a decision maker. They had to adhere, the decisions taken by the head of the

family.

Majority (72.6%) were not ready to fight against all the evil practices faced by

women. But 27.4 percent were ready to fight against all the evil practices faced by women.

Majority (77.4%) agreed that they were having courage to meet socio-economic

needs. Only 22.6 percent were not having courage to meet socio-economic needs.

Majority (54.8%) said that it paved the way for self identity; only 45.2 percent said

that it was not paved the way for self-identity.

Majority (73.6%) agreed that they escaped from money lenders with high rate of

interest, but 26.4 percent were not able to escape from money lenders with high rate of

interest, due to unavoidable circumstances.

Majority (80.6%) were attended skill development programmes to empower them

only 19.4 percent were unable to attend skill development programmes.

Majority (67%) said that it gives proper knowledge about the rights and privileges in

the society, but 33 percent said that they were unable to utilize the opportunity.

235

TABLE 4.54

HEALTH EMPOWERMENT


1. Mahasemam conducts frequent medical

camps for the welfare of the members

500

%

500

%

100 100

2. Provides health insurance for their

survival 344 68.8 156 31.2

3. Proper guidelines were given regarding

diseases 477 95.4 23 4.6

4. Death compensation given 500 100 0 100

5. Chance to discuss freely 443 88.6 57 11.4

6. Women are shyful in nature so through

this awareness the exposure is good 416 83.2 84 16.8

7. Their feelings and pains are relieved 374 74.8 126 25.2

8. Blind control programmes conducted

for them to be benefited 405 81.0 95 19.0

9. Understand the importance of several

vaccines and tablets 422 84.4 78 15.6

10. Able to concentrate on health 334 66.8 166 33.2

11. Not attending medical camps 74 14.8 426 85.2

12. Due to their shyfful nature, their

problems are not opened and tackled 188 37.6 312 62.4

13. Lack of awareness due to laziness 98 19.6 402 88.4

14. Thinking themselves as decision 233 46.6 267 53.4

236

authority they take their own tablets

15. Individual care is not there 17 3.4 483 96.6

16. Least bother about health 163 32.6 337 67.4

17. Due to irregular medical checkups

nature of disease is unknown to them 6 1.2 494 98.8

18. Not able to think about themselves 94 18.8 406 81.2

19. Negative picture about scientific

medicine 38 7.6 462 92.4

20. Belief on others ideas 46 9.2 454 90.8

Majority (100%) agreed that Mahasemam conducted frequent medical camps for the

welfare of the members.

Majority (68.8%) said that self help group provided health insurance for their survival

but 31.2 percent said that they did not provide health insurance for their survival.

Majority (95.4%) responded that proper guidelines were given regarding diseases, in

the Medical checkups, only 46 percent responded that proper guidelines were not given

regarding diseases.

Majority (100%) agreed that Death compensation is given.

Majority (88.6%) said that they have given chance to discuss freely, only 11.4 percent

said that they did not get chance to discuss freely.

Majority (83.2%) feels that women were unable to come forward so through this

awareness the exposure is good, but 16.8 percent were unaware of the exposure.

Majority (74.8%) said that their feelings and pains were relieved. Whereas 25.2%

percent of them had to undergo stress and strain:

Majority (81%) of them were benefited by the blind control programmes, only 19

percent of them were not benefited by the blind control programmes.

237

Majority (84.4%) of them understands the importance of several vaccines and tablets,

but 15.6 percent of them, were not able to understand the importance of several vaccines and

tablets.

Majority (66.8%) were able to concentrate on health. But 33.2 percent were unable to

concentrate on health.

Majority (85.2%) of them not attend medical camps, only 14.8 percent attended

medical camps.

Majority (62.4%) were not able to come out from their problems, but 37.6 percent

were able to come out of their problems and able to be tackled.

Majority (88.4%) of them were unaware due to laziness, only 19.6 percent were aware

of societal issues through camps.

Majority (53.4%) preferred to go with self medication and consider themselves as

good decision and they used to take their own tablets, but 46.6 percent were not taking tablets

by themselves.

Majority (67.4%) were bothered about health only 32.6 percent were least bothered

about health.

Majority (98.8%) were irregular in their medical checkups so nature of diseases is

unknown to them. Only 1.2 percent were regular in their medical checkups, so nature of

disease is known to them.

Majority (81.2%) were unable to get time to think about themselves. Whereas 18.8

percent are able to take some care.

Majority (92.4%) were not having negative picture about scientific medicine, only 7.6

percent were not having negative picture about scientific medicine.

Majority (90.8%) of them not have belief on others ideas. But 9.2 percent have some

trust to believe other ideas.

238

TABLE 4.55

DRIVING FORCES FOR SAVINGS ABILITY


1. This micro finance organization provides

loan at nominal rate of interest which

leads the way for their better standard of

living.

399

%

79.8

101

%

20.2

2. Able to know value of money 255 51.0 245 49.0

3. Due to other members in Mahasemam

they are influenced by the scheme of

savings.

283 56.6 217 43.4

4. When present needs are fulfilled, they

think about future.

234 46.8 266 53.2

5. To maintain social status saving is

important

242 48.4 258 51.6

6. Where women are self-employed they

know, how to save it

486 97.2 14 2.8

7. Their mind is free to think about next

stage

231 46.2 269 53.8

8. Got trustful resource for savings 500 100 0 100

9. Women are more responsible in money

matters

456 91.2 44 8.8

10. They are out of fear about their future 390 78.0 110 22.0

11. Anyhow women earns money they are not

having any right to spend or save it

417 83.4 83 16.6

12. Dependency leads to dilemma decisions 384 76.8 116 23.2

239

13. Due to illiteracy they are cheated in the

name of savings

0 Nil 500 100

14. Least bother about savings due to

ignorance

78 15.6 422 84.4

15. They want to spend lavishly their money 230 46.0 270 54.0

16. Not able to control their own expenses

which leads to debt ness

397 79.4 103 20.6

17. Forget self, and survive for others 306 61.2 194 38.8

18. Thinking only about the present not future 72 14.4 428 85.6

19. Not ready to sacrifice own wishes 33 6.6 467 93.4

20. Individual attention is not there 112 22.4 388 77.6

Majority (79.8%) agreed that this micro finance organization provides loan at

nominal rate of interest, which leads the way for their better standard of living. Whereas 20.2

percent disagreed that they did not provide loan at nominal rate of interest.

Majority (51%) were able to know value of money, but 49 percent were unable

to know about it.

Majority (56.6%) were influenced by the scheme of savings, due to other

members in Mahasemam, but 43.4 percent are not influenced by the scheme of savings.

Majority (53.2%) said that their present needs are not fulfilled that they think

about future only 46.8 percent are fulfilled with present needs, that they think about future.

Majority (51.6%) were unable to maintain social status, because of poor savings

capacity. But 48.4 percent are able to maintain social status with considerable savings.

Majority (97.2%) were self employed and they know, how to save it and 2.8

percent were not self employed and never bothered about savings.

Majority (53.8%) of their mind was not free to think about next stage, but 46.2

percent of them were free to think about next stage

240

Majority (100%) of them got trustful resource for savings.

Majority (91.2%) were more responsible in money matters whereas 8.8 percent

are not responsible in money matters due to their ignorance.

Majority (78%) were out of fear about their future only since they have

sufficient economical support and 22 percent were not, out of fear about their future.

Majority (83.4%) of them earns money, and they were not having any right to

spend or save it, but 16.6 percent were having right to spend or save it what they earn.

Majority (76.8%) said that dependency leads to dilemma decisions, only 23.2

percent said that dependency not leads to dilemma decisions.

Majority (100%) were cheated in the name of savings, due to their illiteracy.

Majority (84.4%) were not least bother about savings due to ignorance. Only

15.6 percent were least bother about savings due to ignorance.

Majority (54%) did not want to spend the money lavishly but 46 percent were

have no proper plans to handle money matters.

Majority (79.4%) were unable to control their own expenses which lead to

debtness, whereas 20.6 percent were able to control it.

Majority (61.2 %): of them forget self and survive for others but 38.8 percent

were not selfless for the sake of others.

Majority (85.6 %) were not thinking only about the present but future also only

14.4 percent were also thinking only about the present not future.

Majority (93.4%) were ready to sacrifice own wishes. Only 6.6 percent were not

ready to sacrifice own wishes.

Majority (77.6%) were having individual attention, whereas 22.4 percent were

not having individual attention there.

241

TABLE 4.56

INCOME GENERATION PROGRAMME


1. These programmes creates an awareness

to do jobs

500

%

100

0

%

Nil

2. In this organization, passing out goat’

through this scheme, they give a goat

where they afford themselves.

500 100 0 Nil

3. They help in true sense for the

requirements of the people

500 100 0 Nil

4. They provide materials according to the

needs of the people

500 100 0 Nil

5. They market their products in which

they are not cheated by others

235 47.0 265 53.0

6. Power within and power without is

realized in the empowerment of women

500 100 0 Nil

7. Guided by proper developed

professionals for skill development

programmes

500 100 0 Nil

8. They are independent to take decisions 287 57.4 213 42.6

9. Women help others when they are

economically sound

166 33.2 334 66.8

10. Whole family benefited, then society

and at last raises the national income

488 97.6 12 2.4

11. Programmes not reaching people

properly

0 Nil 500 100

242

12. Due to their laziness not able to learn

and get benefit

84 16.8 416 83.2

13. Skill development programmes has to

really skillful

413 82.6 37 7.4

14. Not getting income regularly so they

can’t give back their loans

105 21.0 395 79.0

15. Lack of self confidence 62 12.4 438 87.6

16. Due to cultural set up, they want to be

dependent, not to be independent

75 15.0 425 85.0

17. Personal interest is lost slowly and their

rate of interest is heavy for them

315 63.0 185 37.0

18. Lack of trust paves way for doubts 26 5.2 474 94.8

19. Not to work hard for their upliftment 31 6.2 469 93.8

20. Patience is not there to attend these

programmes and get income through the

programme

48 9.6 452 90.4

Majority (100 %) said that these progammes created a awareness to do jobs.

Majority (100 %) responded that in this organization passing out goat through this

scheme, they got a goat where they afford themselves.

Majority (100 %) said that they help in the true sense for the requirements of the

people.

Majority (100 %) agreed that they provided materials according to the needs of the

people.

Majority (53 %) of them were unable to market their products in which they were

cheated by others, whereas 47 percent were not cheated by others.

Majority (100 %) were able to know the concept of ‘power within’ and ‘power

without’ is in the process of empowerment of women.

243

Majority (100 %) were guided by proper developed professionals for skill

development programmes.

Majority (57.4 %) were independent to take decisions, but 42.6 percent were not

independent to take decisions.

Majority (66.8 %) of them didn’t help others when they were economically sound.

Only 33.2 percent of them help others when they were economically sound.

Majority (97.6%) of whole family benefitted then society and at last raises the

national income, only 2.4 percent were not benefitted.

Majority (100 %) disagreed that programmes reaching people properly.

Majority (83.2 %) said that they were able to learn and get benefit. Only 16.8 percent

of them were unable to learn and get benefit due to their laziness.

Majority (82.6 %) said that skill development programmes are really skillful whereas

7.4 percent said that are not really skillful.

Majority (79 %) of them getting income regularly so they can give back their loans:

But 21 percent were not getting income regularly to give back their loans.

Majority (87.6 %) of them had self confidence only 12.4 percent had lack of self

confidence.

Majority (85%) were want to be independent, whereas, 15 percent want to be

dependent, not to be independent

Majority (63 %) of them lost their personal interest, and rate of interest is heavy for

them but 37 percent not lost their personal interest.

Majority (94.8 %) of them had trust so, no doubts and 5.2 percent not had trust.

Majority (93.8 %) of them work hard for their upliftment, only 6.2 percent not to

work hard for their upliftment.

Majority (90.4 %) had patience to attend these programmes and get income through

the programmes and get income through the programmes, but 9.6 percent of them not

attended these programmes and get income from that.

244

TABLE 4.57

Contribution of Mahasemam towards Capacity building of women members

Sl.No Particulars Agree Disagree Total

1. Women is empowered, so they are

capable of doing all works

independently

293

%

58.6

207

%

41.4

500

(100)

2. Self reliable to realize their duties

privileges in which they can benefit

316 63.2 184 36.8 500

(100)

3. Sexual harrasement is decreased due to

the courage of women

106 21.2 394 78.8 500

(100)

4. Dowry problems are reduced due to

increasing awareness of women

54 10.8 446 89.2 500

(100)

5. Divorce or widows can survive in their

life without expecting anybody

37 7.4 463 92.6 500

(100)

6. Many income oriented programmes

arrange for the better standard of living

of women

411 82.2 89 17.8 500

(100)

7. Matured to be a decision maker 390 78.0 110 22.0 500

(100)

8. Women get the empowerment

politically, socially and economically

398 79.6 102 20.4 500

(100)

9. They can be the survival of the fittest 111 22.2 389 77.8 500

(100)

245

10. Due to the welfare schemes by

Mahasemam, women are safeguarded

by the society

384 76.8 116 23.2 500

(100)

11. When they are independent, they are

least other about their duties and

responsibilities.

319 63.8 181 37.2 500

(100)

12. Not caring about others feelings 234 46.8 266 53.2 500

(100)

13. Become over confident which paves the

way for greediness

241 48.2 259 51.8 500

(100)

14. In urban areas target is achieved but in

rural areas, real picture is still pathetic

488 97.6 12 2.4 500

(100)

15. There is no balance in their mind and

body

104 20.8 396 79.2 500

(100)

16. To some extent they are independent

however natural factors, forced them to

be dependent

416 83.2 84 16.8 500

(100)

17. Due to constraints at family level like

commitment, sentiments, emotional

support, they cannot act independently

482 96.4 18 3.6 500

(100)

18. Even though they are capable to act

independently, women don’t want to be

isolated

422 84.4 78 15.6 500

(100)

19. Survival of the fittest on lowest or

cheapest, it determines the individual’s

personality

425 85.0 75 15.0 500

(100)

246

20. Whether Mahasemam gives the

capacity to do all the works

independently, or makes them aware of

doing all the works

434 86.8 66 13.2 500

(100)

Majority (58.6 %) were capable of doing all works independently, but 41.4 percent

were not capable of doing all works independently.

Majority (63.2 %) were self reliable to realize their duties privileges in which they can

benefit. Only 36.8 percent were not benefited.

Majority (78.8 %) disagreed that sexual harassment is decreased, due to courage of

women. Whereas 21.2 percent agreed that sexual harrasssement is decreased, due to their

courage.

Majority (89.2 %) said that dowry problems were reduced due to the increasing

awareness, whereas 10.8 percent said that dowry problems were not reduced.

Majority (92.6 %) disagreed that divorce or widows can survive in their life without

expecting anybody, but 7.4 percent agreed.

Majority (82.2 %) said that income generated programmes arranged for the better

standard of living. only 17.8 percent of them, said that income generated programmes not

arranged for the better standard of living.

Majority (78 %) were matured to be a decision make but 22 percent were not matured

to be a decision maker.

Majority (79.6 %) gets empowerment politically socially and economically, whereas

20.4 percent not gets the empowerment.

Majority (77.8 %) said that they cannot be survival of the fittest, but 22.2 percent can

be the survival of the fittest.

Majority (76.8 %) were safeguarded by society, due to the welfare schemes by

Mahasemam, only 23.2 percent were not safeguard by society.

Majority (63.8 %) were independent, so they are least other about their duties and

responsibilities, whereas 37.2 percent were not independent.

247

Majority (53.2 %) were caring about others feelings, but 46.8 percent were not caring

about others feelings.

Majority (51.8 %) were not become over confident, which paves the way for

greediness, and 48.2 percent were become over confident.

Majority (97.6 %) agreed that in urban areas, target is achieved, but in rural areas, real

picture was pathetic, only 2.4 percent disagreed that.

Majority (79.2 %) disagreed that there were balanced in their mind and body, and but

20.8 percent agreed that there were not balanced in their mind and body.

Majority (83.2 %) said that to some extent they were independent however natural

factors forced them to be dependent whereas 16.8 percent were not forced them to be

dependent.

Majority (96.4 %) agreed that due to constraints at family level like commitment,

sentiments, emotional support they could not act independently, only 3.6 percent could act

independently.

Majority (84.4 %) said that, they were capable to act independently; women don’t

want to be isolated. But 15.6 percent were wanted to be isolated.

Majority (85 %) agreed that survival of the fittest on lowest or cheapest, determines

the individual’s personality. Whereas 15 percent disagreed to determines the individual’s

personality.

Majority (86.8 %) said that Mahasemam gives the capacity to do all the works

independently or made them aware of doing all the works but 13.2 percent were not

independent or unaware of doing all the works.

248

Hypothesis:

Based on the objectives of the present study, the hypothesis used in the study is given

as below:

Hypothesis 1: There is significant relationship between awareness on medical facilities and membership in Mahasemam

Aware of Medical Facilities Being Member in Mahasemam

Yes – 327 (a) Above 14 years – 299 (c)

No – 173 (b) Below 14 years – 201 (d) A b a+b 327 173 500 C d c+d 299 201 500 a+c b+d N 626 374 1000

χ2=0.170

0.05%=3.84

Therefore, Hypothesis is accepted. Members in Mahasemam are aware of Medical facilities.

Hypothesis2: Being Members in Mahasemam able to repay the loan

Being Member In Mahasemam

Above 14 Years – 299 (a) Able to repay - 406 (c) Below 14 Years – 201(b) Unable to repay– 94 (d) A B a+b 299 201 500 C D c+d 406 94 500 a+c

b+d N 705 295 1000

Chi-square value = 0.468

χ 2= 3.841 = 0.468 < 3.841

Therefore, Hypothesis is accepted. The Members of Mahasemam are able to repay.

249

Hypothesis 3: Being members in Mahasemam protected from Usury

Being Members in Mahasemam Protection from Usury Above 14 Years – 299 (a) Yes - 280 (c) Below 14 Years – 201(b) No– 220 (d) A b a+b 299 201 500 C d c+d 280 220 500 a+c b+d N 579 421 1000


χ 2 (0.05 level)= 3.841 = 1.482 < 3.841

Therefore, Hypothesis is accepted. The Members of Mahasemam are able to repay.

Hypotesis 4: The Members of Mahasemam who availed loan are able to repay

Being Member in Mahasemam availed loan and able to repay the amount

Able to repay - 406 (a) Availed - 464 (c)

Unable to repay– 94 (b) Not Availed - 36(d) a b a+b 406 94 500 c d c+d 464 36 500 a+c b+d N 870 130 1000


χ 2= 3.841 = 2.972 < 3.841

Therefore, Hypothesis is accepted. The Members of Mahasemam who availed loan

are able to repay.

250

Hypothesis5: There is relationship between income level of members in mahasemam and the ability to repay the loan

Being Member In Mahasemam Income of Family

Loan Given -- 464(a) Below Rs.5000/- - 23 (c) Loan not given -- 36(b) Rs.5000/- to Rs.10,000/- - 477 (d) A B a+b 464 361 500 C D c+d 23 477 500 a+c b+d N 487 513 1000


χ 2= 3.841 = 0.778 < 3.841(0.05level)

Therefore, Hypothesis is accepted. The Members of Mahasemam who availed loan according to the income are able to repay.

Hypothesis6: There is upliftment among women members in Mahasemam after the entry into Mahasemam

Being Member in Mahasemam Upliftment of Women Member Loan Given -- 464(a) Before joining Mahasemam - 240 (c) Loan not given -- 36(b) After joining Mahasemam - 260 (d) a b a+b 464 361 500 c d c+d 240 260 500 a+c b+d N 704 296 1000 Chi-square value = 0.240

χ 2= 3.841 = 0.240 < 3.841(0.05 level)

251

Case Study

1) Ponnarisi (28) Sillaiman Thiruppuvanam has shared her experience with the researcher

after getting her second micro credit assistance.

Today she became an entrepreneur in her village running a shop for the sale of

grocery and stationary for the last five years, the only opportunity was to work as a coolie and

to roll beedis. Before joining mahasemam she could see many women engaged in various

enterprises as a basis to earn their livelihood. Now she had gained a sense of motivation and

confidence to start her own business and have the unhygienic employment soon after she

made up the decision to open a shop, she joined in mahasemam while she was a coolie, there

had been no steady income, besides her husband had been unemployed for most of the years

and it was difficult to afford to have a steady life and meaningful life with the financial

assistance provided by Mahasemam. Now she was able to sustain her livelihood, her future

plan was to extend her sales enormously by adding new items to the shop with the spare

income. She and her family decided to renovate their house and sanitation without

mahasemam’s assistance they made it possible to enjoy a healthy life.

2) Nachia (39) Karupati, Vadipati

She was happy with her husband and children at Nagapatinam. Until the time

Tsunami hit their life she lost all her belongings and came as refugee to stay at her sister’s

family. She is well taken care at her elder sister’s family. But she didn’t like to be a burden to

her. Though she had no one to look after her at this critical stage, she somehow reached

vadipatti Near Madurai. She came to know about Mahasemam and took part in the regular

Meetings of Mahasemam. She actively participated in the main programmes like health

compaign and Income Generation Activities.

She was influenced by the financial services and non-financial services available at

Mahasemam. Even though she know basket making, she need financial assistance to buy the

252

needed items. Mahasemam has given her not only financial assistance, but also assisted her

life in all the direction at the crucial hours of her life. Due to the interaction with other

members in the group, she is able to forget her worries and have the thrust to live as long as

she can survive in this world.

3) Thilagavathy (35) Puthupatti, Alanganallur.

Fishing is seasonal and times get tough. When she had to pay debts from the

moneylenders from her earnings: She was unable to balance both her business and the

survival at her family. When she joining in Mahasemam, not only she availed the loan, but

also knowing the network of more people in her area. Nowadays, soon after she came from

fish business many people in her aware that she was eligible to do her work as fish seller.

With the provision of loan, now she was able to invest made money in buying more

fish for sales and the income is more than enough for their comfortable life. Before it was

difficult to pay the loans, but it is quite easier for than paying the money lenders and the

transactions are much familiar and lidious. Thus women are protected from usury. The

women worked hard for their survival and never taken another loan till they complete the

previous loan: The member’s friendly approach of Mahasemam brings them economic

empowerment.

4) Petchiamma (46) Aavinnagar, K Pudur

Before the beneficiary of Microfinance loans at Mahasemam, Petchiamma and her

husband had been making mango pickle for ten years. She used to make and pack the mango

pickles. Her husband helped her to go for sales and collection of money. They earned upto Rs

520 per month. To settle the loans taken they have doubled their income with hard work and

now earn upto Rs 10,500 per month.

After being member in Mahasemam, they used the loans to purchase more,

ingredients (Mangoes, Salt, Chilli powder etc) and to purchase more barrels for pickle

253

business. They used to have seven barrels and now they have twelve barrels; each barrel

holds 200 kgs of pickled Mangoes. Now they also started making and selling appalam on the

other side. They are leading a smooth life. The son in the family got the educational

scholarship from Mahasemam.

5) Renuka (31) Arasamara Pookara Santhu, Balarangapuram

She and her employees engaged in stitching the upper Portion of shoes and to sell

those items to a Company. Renuka had always been making shoes, but with a series of

microfinance loan availed she was able to turn a business for survival and turn the business

into a profitable one with five employees working under her.

Before the loans she was making shoes but it was hard to operate the business because

it was difficult to purchase materials when she sold the shoes to the company they gave her a

cheque, but the cheque would not be collected within two or three days from Bank.

Meanwhile she found very difficult to make any more shoes because of cheque payment

more shoes because of cheque payment and not the ready cash. It created some dullness in

the continuity of the business to run as fast as possible. Because of the loans she was able to

purchase materials, whenever needed. She was able to hire workers to help her act in making

the shoes, and enable her to get on the spot payment. She faced challenges and risks to florish

the business taken up. Gradually she was recognized as a good business woman and

extending her helping hands towards friends, relatives for the betterment of their life.

6) Muthumari (27) Flower Vendor, Subramaniapuram, Othakadai

Nowadays, flower rate was gone upto mountain level and that woman of flower

sellers found very difficult to manage such business. The clutches of problem in paying the

interest for debts repayment of debt gave them sluggy’life. They searched for financial help

finally. She Became a member of Mahasemam and able to realize her potentialities. At one

point she was able to solve family problems and social problems like female infanticide.

254

7) Indrani (43) Fruits and Vegetables Seller, Chockalinga Nagar, Arasaradi

Before joining in Mahasemam, She was a housewife not able to share family

expenditure. When money was needed, they were in a position to mortgage jewel, and faced

problems to pay even the interests. She lost all her jewels. But after joining in Mahasemam

she was able to meet the needs of the family members by selling the fruits and vegetables,

since she availed loan.

She didn’t have any idea to do business, but when others are doing some business,

engaging with income generating activities they directly or indirectly motivating them to

have enough self awareness and to took part in the business to reflect the positive image.

Now at this state she was quite aware of health issues societal, Economic and various other

empowerment only through Mahasemam. They are ready to show the right directions and

remember them to realize the saying of live and let live.

8) Sameera (25) Art and Craft Anuman Padithurai, Arappalayam

Her husband is in abroad, she got married recently. She was doing her PG Degree

through distance education. Now she is able to learn and earn. She joined as a member here

in mahasemam, due to the influence of relatives and friends, due to this busy schedule she

was not isolated due to the interaction of group members, we-feeling is developed, feeling of

oneness is established and that was the reason for the repayment of loan on weekly basis.

After attended the Income Oriented programmes she started making toys and bags in

future. She wants to open a new shop for this with the provisions of loans. She was capable to

educate, herself to start a new (employment) career in her life. She didn’t have any ideas are

sown in me, that fruits will be reaped shortly.

9) Parameswari (50) Goat Roaring, Ayyanar Kovil Street, Sellur.

Women need support in all spheres of life in the partiarchical society. She was a

dependent throughout her life starting from her father brother, husband and son. She left

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alone when all the family members were passed away. She survive like an orphan and totally

lived a isolated life. However she was given the chance to survive with the help of

Mahasemam. After joined in Mahasemam they take care of her as a family. They had literally

treated her as equals and made others also to view them equally. The Financial, Moral

support and other helps were given to her, they have given the opportunity of goat roaring

from then onwards they were able to live on their own and Self-Supportive.

10) Pothumponnu (23) Coir Making, Narasingampati, Melur

She was the fifth female child in her family. Due to the Superstitious beliefs, his

father named her as Pothumponnu and expected a son after her, but that is also happened to

her younger sister not a brother. Due to the frequent deliveries, without any balanced diet,

they lost their mother. Desire of having son made her father to go for second marriage.

Imagine the plight of her family.

They have gone to live along with their grandma and pursue their education at

Government School. They have also gone to the level of engaging themselves with coolie

work, agricultural work, coir making, coir products they were ready to give their labour but

nobody feels the pain and mental agony of those members. One fine day they felt some

relaxation and relieved feeling, while they join as members of Mahasemam. Now they were

quite knowledgeable with health issues, legal issues and made up their mind to face

challenges, They had a regret feeling, they would not have loose their mother, if they had

came to know about the services of Mahasemam little bit earlier.

All the Case studies described above, were trained at Mahasemam. They all belonged

to poor families and the self help group members. They were all confident of their skill,

wanted to stand another own feet by establishing their business. Though they home business

skills, they expected some hands on experience and Strategies how to go ahead. However,

they were provided expert advice on running the enterprise, keeping the accounts pricing the

products and marketing services and other abilities required for their survival.

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Focused Group Discussion

Focused Group Discussion conducted on Balarengapuram (urban area) Othakadai (Rural

area). In both the areas not only single centre but women of different centers belongs to same

branch altogethered in one particular place for Medical Camps and Awareness programmes

to control female infanticide sanitation and hygienic awareness, and regarding practices of

family planning.

The Researcher used Focused Group Discussion as a primary source of data

collection. In Othakkadai Branch, the centre members were gathered together and shared

their opinion about the functions of Mahasemam and how it changed their livelihood. Out of

50 members majority of them concluded that, they were being an entrepreneur in their place.

They are now able to sustain their livelihood. Now Mahasemam made them as a decision

maker, to sign up their own name and made them to hold our rights in family and society

with the meager income, they have renovated their houses and sanitation without

Mahasemam this would not have been possible.

Some of them who joined not whole heartedly in Mahasemam, Expressed that, before

they joined here, they have to beg everybody’s foot to get money, then would would go upto

the level to get money from moneylenders in turn they lost themselves with the burden of

loan. They used to be in a thatched house used to go to government hospital and able to eat

only one meal per day and usually they would have given to their own family members. But

after coming to Mahasemam they did not expect that this group had changed their life

tremendously. They felt confident that they can survive through the toughest times. They feel

that Mahasemam is a guardian for them and for their family and they feel that, in the absence

of elders somehow Mahasemam would help to look after their children and family. Many

members with a help of microfinance loans and their services at Mahasemam many of them

were turned to a business for survival. It helps them to enter into a profitable business.

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The Researcher used Focused Group Discussion as primary sources of date collection.

In Balarengapuram branch, the centre members were discussed about the changes happened

in their life, before they join and after joined in Mahasemam.

Before the availed loans, it was hard to operate the business, because it was difficult

to purchase materials, until the arrival of cheque. There was always a delay in the business.

After the loans we were able to purchase materials. Whatever they need and they bought

materials and expanded the production with the consecutive loans. They were able to rotate

money and this enables them to act as an entrepreneur. The standard of living had improved,

Instead of their meals per day. Now they are able to eat three times a day. Now the family

members have routine medical checkups by the team of doctors from Meenakshi Mission

Hospital and Research Center, Madurai Once in three months.

As a member of Mahasemam, it earned them name and fame. The social environment

is encouraging and how they were able to get opportunity to prove themselves. They now

know how to help the helpless and help the helpless to help them. They are placing their trust

in the saying of instead of giving them fish, teach them to catch fish. It is nothing but to make

them to stand on their own leg. Wide exposure and plenty of opportunities were there in front

of them.

It depends how capable they are to make use of knowledge, skills, good qualities and

capacity to build their personality and to live a life happily. They feel proved to be the

member in Mahasemam, as it extents supportive hand for the overall development.

Spread of education, Development of knowledge of banking and cooperation among

members helps the members in Mahasemam to identify their self. Women take control and

ownership of their lifes through expansion of their choices. This is the of acquiring the ability

of empowerment members in Mahasemam acquires the ability of empowerment through

expansion of their choices.

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Mahasemam grants Rs 3000 as insurance, after the dead member’s husband, and they

also provide home loan when the members had completed their membership two years and

the repayment of their loan. Mahasemam women members gained confidence and courage in

participation of village affairs and community governance has led to spacious reception and

supporting wider scope of women’s development. Especially, women in rural, Tribal and

slum areas can be empowered psychologically, socially, politically and economically they

can be well fanned into flames with the necessary guidance and training through

Mahasemam.

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CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS AND...

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