The study explores the impact of SHG membership along with some other socio-economic and demographic variables on the earning of women members. Earning is the most important direct outcome of the SHG participation unlike acquiring empowerment. Participation in SHG helps women to inculcate their regular savings. It gives direct access to formal credit to them. All this has direct impact on their economic condition. The study is based on two blocks of the Birbhum District of West Bengal. The major finding of the study reveals that women SHG members have a higher level of income compared to that of non-SHG members. Apart from the SHG membership duration of SHG participation, employment, capacity building training, agricultural land holding of households have significant impact on the women’s earning. It is also found that the holding SHG membership has reduced income inequality amongst women in the district of Birbhum over time.
