摘要：Structural changes in labour market and economic pressures have dramatically altered the behavior of women in the labour market. with the coming up of UNDP report on human development a marked difference has been seen in the history of human development ,where women have been identified as major agents of sustainable economic developmentThe prosperity and growth of a nation is measured by the status and development of its women as they not only constitute half of its population but also influence the growth of the remaining half of the population. Being in the unorganized sector, majority of women in developing countries carry the double burden of poverty. To seek economic independence is the first priority for the empowerment of women in India.Economic empowerment can be attained by strengthening women's position as workers through organizing and providing them with access to support services, through the provision of services such as health and education.In the present study an attempt has been made to investigate that how far self-help groups are helpful in socio-economic empowerment of women and improving their status in the society. The objectives of present study are: to investigate the social and economic status before joining the SHG,s and how SHG,s are helpful in socio-economic empowerment of the SHG,smembersThe present study is a primary study of R.S.PuraBlockof Jammu district from India.Purposive sampling technique has been used for the collection of the data for 90 members of these SHG s through personal interview method on a well-structured questionnaire. After the collection of the data, it has been tabulated and analyzed with simple statistical tools such as average and percentage methods.Self-help groups have made an important contribution in socioeconomic empowerment of women and poverty alleviation among its members. The millennium development goals of women empowerment , poverty alleviation and sustainable development can be accomplished through , the participation and involvement of women in the development process through Self-Help Groups.
