Mainstreaming the Gender Perspective of Bivalve Farming Self Help Groups of Women Fisherfolk: Insights from Kerala

A study for assessing the impact of SHGs in gender mainstreaming was undertaken on the bivalve farming Self Help Groups of women fisherfolk in four districts in Kerala such as Kasargod, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Kollam. The analysis included specific aspects such as performance assessment of the SHGs, gender analysis, empowerment analysis and economic feasibility analysis of mussel and edible oyster which were carried out based on socio-economic surveys and personal interviews using pre-tested and structured data gathering protocols with standardized scales and indices involving the members of the SHGs. The male and female counterparts of the families were separately interviewed to assess the gender mainstreaming aspects in terms of equity and equality to access to resources, participation profile, decision making aspects, gender need analysis etc. Though majority of activities are female dominated, the male counterparts of the households also have definite role in decision making, purchase of accessories, sales, marketing etc. The indicative economics worked out for the economic feasibility analysis to find break-even point and pay-back period of the SHGs suggests that, both the mussel and oyster units take one year to break even. A success case study was elucidated and documented as a documentary movie which can be used as a case model for promoting group action for mobilizing SHGs on a sustainable basis