Women SHGs in The Midst of Covid 19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Glimpse on a Transition in Kerala Fisheries

Abstract

A study was conducted on the impact of Covid 19 pandemic among selected microenterprises of women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) in marine fisheries sector in Kerala State. Their level of performance and extent of empowerment were assessed through appropriate indices of measurement based on the data from SHGs of 16 different conspicuous fishery based micro enterprises in Kerala state. The gender analysis and economic feasibility analysis based on personal interview and focus group interaction meetings with members of SHGs were undertaken. The male and female counterparts of the families of respondents were separately interviewed to assess the gender mainstreaming impact in terms of equity and equality to access and control over the resources, participation profile, decision making, gender need analysis etc.