Impact of Dairy Cooperatives on Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women in Saurashtra, Gujarat

Abstract

Dairy cooperatives play a pivotal role in rural livelihoods and have emerged as significant instruments for women empowerment in India. The present study evaluates the socio-economic impact of dairy cooperative societies on women members in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, with a specific focus on income generation, savings behaviour, and decision-making power. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from women members across five districts, namely Rajkot, Surendranagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, and Amreli. The findings reveal that participation in dairy cooperatives has significantly improved household income, enhanced financial inclusion through increased savings and banking access, and strengthened women’s role in household decision-making. However, disparities across districts highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to ensure equitable empowerment. The study concludes that dairy cooperatives function not only as economic institutions but also as catalysts for socio-economic transformation in rural communities.