Abstract
Women’s employment in the informal sector is crucial for reducing poverty and household income, particularly in South Asia owing to its low female labour force participation rate. However, they face numerous obstacles in this sector. “Self Help Groups” have emerged as a revolutionary approach to women’s empowerment in South Asia. This paper explores the role of three SHGs in different South Asian countries in transforming women’s livelihoods in the region. We adopt case study methodology to understand the long-term sustainability and adaptability of interventions of the selected SHGs. This study provides a detailed understanding of the strategies incorporated, difficulties faced by these SHGs and their impact on women’s economic participation and decision-making. Despite their success, these organizations face challenges like cultural resistance to women’s economic participation, regulatory restriction, and long-term sustainability. This study reveals that well-structured SHGs can break social and financial obstacles, promoting gender equality and long-term financial stability.