Evaluation of the self-help development approaches in promoting women empowerment in Ethiopia : the case of Debremarkos Districts of Amhara region of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study has assessed the self-help group approach and its contribution to women empowerment in the Debremarkos district of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. SHG is an approach that strives to empower poor women through organising them in groups to solve their problem through mutual help. This study employed a mixed method using both the qualitative and quantitative techniques. The findings suggest that the SHG approach has brought social and economic empowerment for the poor women in Debremarkos district who participated in SHG. The findings suggest that the selfhelp approach is important, particularly by creating access for the poor to financial resources with low interest rates, which is a key for the success of the businesses of the poor. The SHG approach has also significant contribution for social empowerment by building the confidence of women and facilitating their participation in their community.