Women empowerment has been one of the fascinating subjects attracted the attention of Govt. and non- overnment agencies, social scientists, social activist, academicians and researchers across the global and more so in developing countries like India. In order to mitigate the sufferings of Indian women, many schemes/ programmes have been conceived and implemented by the Govt. from time to time. Self help group scheme is one of the such schemes primarily aims at development of self and collective efficacy and vis-à-vis holistic development of the society. The present paper is an empirical attempt focusing on women empowerment through self-help groups in drought –prone Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. The findings of the study establish the SHGs have made a positive impact on women empowerment especially in the spheres of social status, economic empowerment and decision-making on various aspects of family matters. 

Key words: Empowerment; Women Empowerment and Self-Help Groups.