Social capital refers to networks, relationships, and norms that enable collective action for mutual benefit. For women, social capital is built through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), PRIs, and grassroots networks.
Women’s Social Capital Advancing Empowerment
Strengthening Collective Voice in governance and community decision-making.
Economic Empowerment – Social capital facilitates microfinance, entrepreneurship, and livelihood diversification. Eg- Kudumbashree (Kerala) and Jeevika (Bihar)
Promoting Information and Knowledge Sharing – Eg- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) enables peer learning in sustainable agriculture and technology use.
Building Social Solidarity and Mutual Support – Women’s collectives provide psychosocial and emotional support against domestic violence, exclusion, and crises.
Expanding Political Participation- Women constitute 46% of Panchayati Raj representatives (MoPR, 2024), many emerging from SHG or NGO networks.
Improving Social Accountability – act as watchdogs, ensuring transparency in welfare programs. Eg- SHG federations in Andhra Pradesh monitor PDS.
Women’s Social Capital Promoting Gender Equity
Challenging Patriarchal Norms -Collective action enables women to question gender stereotypes and claim public space.
Redistributing Power -women influence policy and community priorities.
Inclusive Development -Strengthens intersectional representation (Dalit, tribal, minority women).
Bridging Social Divides -Networks connect women across caste, class, and regional boundaries, fostering shared identity and solidarity.
Challenges
The enduring Devī-Dāsī dichotomy-idolizing women as sacred yet accepting their subjugation-reveals deep-rooted cultural norms that legitimize gender inequality.
Tokenism in representation: Eg-“Sarpanch Pati” culture undermines effective female leadership
“Missing Middle” finance trap – SHGs they outgrow microcredit but cannot access medium-scale loans.
Regional Imbalance: Concentration of SHGs in southern states (71%); weak in the north and northeast.
Way Forward
Gender Sensitisation in Governance: Mandatory training for bureaucrats and police.
Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Ensure 33% reservation in legislatures.
Integrate unpaid domestic work into GDP measurement and social protection systems.
Adopting ILO’s 5Rs (recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, representation) can help in realising Nari Shakti and SDG 5.