Purpose - The purpose of this study is to gain meaningful insights into a microfinance programme in two different agro-ecological settings in India. The study, using primary survey data, attempts to examine individual, household and environmental characteristics that determine participation in a self-help group (SHG)–bank linkage programme in Odisha. Design/methodology/approach - Primary data are collected by a stratified random sampling method. The sample size is 300 households and information is collected by canvassing a pre-designed schedule to women through door-to-door in-depth interviews. In addition, focus group discussions have been conducted to get qualitative information. A probit binary model is applied to examine the factors determining participation in a SHG–bank linkage programme. A composite index of women empowerment is computed taking three dimensions: autonomy, economic empowerment and the gender relationship. Further, ordinary least square multiple regression and treatment effect evaluation by propensity score matching is carried out to study the impact of participation on women empowerment. Findings - The study finds that the programme has by-passed the poorest of the poor. It is observed, however, that participation in microfinance has a positive and significant impact on women empowerment. Research limitations/implications - Given the research methodology adopted in this study, one concern is whether the results generalise. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications - To improve status of women particularly in developing and underdeveloped regions, microfinance can act as a catalyst. Social implications - Microfinance in the form of SHG–bank linkage should be promoted, particularly for those social groups and religious communities where women are discriminated. Their participation in SHG–bank linkage programme will improve their social status through empowerment. Originality/value - This study illustrates how microfinance can improve the status of women.

中文翻译：

---

参与自助团体 (SHG) 的决定因素及其对妇女赋权的影响

目的 - 本研究的目的是深入了解印度两种不同农业生态环境中的小额信贷计划。该研究使用原始调查数据，试图检查决定参与奥里萨邦自助小组 (SHG)-银行联系计划的个人、家庭和环境特征。设计/方法/方法 - 主要数据通过分层随机抽样方法收集。样本量为 300 户，信息是通过上门深入访谈向女性拉拢预先设计的时间表来收集的。此外，还进行了焦点小组讨论以获取定性信息。应用概率二元模型来检查决定参与 SHG 与银行联系计划的因素。女性赋权综合指数的计算包括三个维度：自主权、经济赋权和性别关系。此外，通过倾向得分匹配进行普通最小二乘多元回归和治疗效果评估，研究参与对女性赋权的影响。调查结果 - 研究发现该计划绕过了最贫穷的人。然而，据观察，参与小额信贷对赋予妇女权力具有积极而重大的影响。研究局限性/影响 - 鉴于本研究采用的研究方法，一个问题是结果是否具有普遍性。因此，鼓励研究人员进一步测试提议的命题。实际意义 - 提高妇女的地位，特别是在发展中和欠发达地区，小额信贷可以起到催化剂的作用。社会影响 - 应促进 SHG 与银行联系形式的小额信贷，特别是对那些女性受到歧视的社会团体和宗教社区。他们参与 SHG-银行联动计划将通过赋权提高他们的社会地位。原创性/价值——这项研究说明了小额信贷如何提高妇女的地位。