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Abstract
This study based on a field visit reveals that if rural women under the umbrella of Self-help Groups (SHGs henceforth SHG will be used) are properly guided and supported with backward and forward linkages then they will earn income whatever is their qualification. The study was carried out in at Gontinavanipalem village of, Ananadaruram Mandal, Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India in September 2022. In the village altogether 23 SHGs were functioning and most of them were more than 15 years old. Of the 23 SHGs, four SHGs (studied by the author), three were more than 15 years old (Laxmi Ganapathi SHG, Maralathali SHG, and Ganga Devi SHG) indicating these were sustainable. And observing sustainability, another SHG (Aruna SHG) was formed in 2018. Each SHG had 10 women members and all belonged to the Backward Community/BC. To get an idea about the economic situation four women of three SHGs were contacted and data were collected. And found all were earning income. Both the interview method and the PRA method
(Earlier known as Participatory Rural Appraisal) where around 30 women members of different SHGs and three members from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) were present.