A study for assessing the impact of SHGs in gender mainstreaming was
undertaken on the clam processing units operating at Pookaitha located
at Kottayam District of Kerala. The analysis included specific aspects such
as performance assessment of the SHGs, gender analysis, empowerment
analysis and economic feasibility analysis which were carried out based
on socio-economic surveys and personal interviews using pre-tested and
structured data gathering protocols with standardized scales and indices
involving the members of the SHGs. The male and female counterparts
of the families were separately interviewed to assess the gender
mainstreaming aspects in terms of equity and equality to access to
resources, participation profile, decision making aspects, gender need
analysis etc. Though majority of activities are female dominated, the
male counterparts of the households also have definite role in decision
making, purchase of accessories, sales, marketing etc. The indicative
economics worked out for the economic feasibility analysis of the SHGs
suggests that, the unit takes two years to break even. A success case
study was elucidated and documented as a documentary which can be
used as a case model for promoting group action for mobilizing SHGs on
a sustainable basis
