Abstract

This article examined on an evaluation of tribal women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) in an area of Kerala. Groups were evaluated, in terms of their success as in relation to their contribution to gender development. The study reveals that tribal women alleged changes in their identity towards working collectively to pressure for change at the village and panchyat levels. They organized in community and social action programmes, both at the local level and by joining with issues beyond the local. When well thought-out within constructs of empowerment, potential poverty, citizenship and participation in democratic processes, such SHG outcomes, and the community development processes that go together with their work, can be seen to make a modest but significant contribution to broader transformations of repressive structures. 
 
Key words: Tribal community, self help groups, Kerala, women’s empowerment.