A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: Mission Shakti's Role in Women’s Empowerment in Koraput

Abstract

This study looks at the effect of Mission Shakti, a major program, on empowering rural women through self-help groups in the Koraput District of Odisha. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research examines how factors like capacity building, entrepreneurship, and empowerment are connected. The results show that while some actions have a strong positive impact on women's empowerment, the overall effect is still small. This points to the need for focused strategies and ongoing evaluation. The study highlights the importance of improving rural development programs to boost socio-economic conditions, support gender equality, and reduce poverty in underprivileged areas. It provides useful insights for policymakers, managers, and those working on rural empowerment, offering a guide for creating more effective and lasting development initiatives.