Purpose
This paper aims to explore the factors for self-help groups (SHGs) women empowerment in the state of Uttar Pradesh using the primary data.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary data have been collected by a household survey in the four districts of Uttar Pradesh. Factor analysis is used to estimate the odd of improving women empowerment after participating in SHG.
Findings
Factor analysis extracted four factors which were economic development, improvement in family matters, decision to use public amenities and political empowerment. Also, analysis of variance and t-test was used employing SPSS. The results, therefore, show that education has a significant impact on all the aspects of SHGs people.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can help policymakers to adopt appropriate policies that integrate empowerment in development projects with women.
Social implications
The results of this research could encourage more women to participate in SHG activities and development projects.
Originality/value
This research provides the most updated data from a primary survey in the state of Uttar Pradesh.