An assessment of a Tearfund-funded HIV/Aids program in Malawi compared Village Savings and Loans (VSL) and SHG approaches. The study found that both methods enhanced savings culture, investment in businesses, asset accumulation, social interaction and increased members’ knowledge base. SHGs had a relatively higher potential for long-term economic growth and sustainability, socio-political empowerment of women on issues affecting their community, and enhanced leadership and self esteem.
Read MoreA cost-benefit analysis of Tearfund’s SHGs in Ethiopia found SHGs to be high impact and low cost, with a benefit-to-cost ratio ranging from 58:1 to 173:1. The returns on donor investment were high. SHG expansion was organic and scaled quickly. SHG members reported many social benefits, as well as increased asset accumulation, food security, and environmental awareness. The model has the potential to benefit women and girls and reduce religious and ethnic tensions.
Read MoreThe Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Rajasthan, India was evaluated to determine the effect of SHG membership on the autonomy of household decision making, political engagement and on inclusion in financial and labor markets. The study concluded that SEWA membership led to greater participation in group programs, increased control over domestic decision-making, greater awareness of where to express grievances (especially in regards to drinking water), willingness to take action on grievances and thus increased satisfaction with state of services.
Read MoreUsing national data collected from 22,825 villages across India, Saha, Annear and Pathak (2013) determined that the presence of an SHG in a village is associated with higher knowledge of family planning and maternal health service uptake. Villages with an SHG were more likely to know of and utilize family planning products and services, 19% more likely to deliver in an institution and 8% more likely to have fed their newborns colostrum.
Read MoreA Lancet study by Prost et al. (2013) undertook a systematic review of Randomized Control Trials in multiple countries to assess the impact of women’s groups on maternal and child mortality. The study found that participation in women’s groups was associated with a 37% reduction in maternal mortality, a 23% reduction in neonatal mortality, and a 9% reduction in still births.
Read MoreA Lancet study in 2013 used a factorial, cluster-randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of women’s groups and peer counselling on health outcomes and behaviors in rural Malawi. Lewycka et al. (2013) found both interventions impressive, reducing maternal mortality, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality, infant mortality and increasing exclusive breastfeeding. The study also found both approaches to be cost-effective.
Read MoreFindings from a cluster RCT in 55 villages in West Bengal, India, suggest that it is possible to leverage SHGs to reach women and adolescent girls with education on savings and sensitive health topics at minimal expense. Spielberg et al. (2013) reported on the impact of non-formal education on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors for HIV prevention in particular. Women and girls who received HIV education showed significant gains in HIV knowledge as compared to the control group.
Read MoreDeininger and Liu (2012) used two rounds of surveys in 2004 and 2006 to examine the impact of SHGs on 2,517 households in Andhra Pradesh, India. They found that longer exposure to the state government’s District Poverty Initiatives Project (DPIP), which prominently figures SHGs, had a positive impact on nutritional intake, consumption and asset accumulation.
Read MoreLopamudra and Suresh (2012)’s community based qualitative study found that SHGs played an important role in women’s empowerment in rural Pondicherry, India. In Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for six SHGs, members reported a number of benefits.
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