Microfinance: In Alleviating Feminization of Poverty

Dr. N. Lalitha holds M.A. degrees in Economics, Women’s studies and Gandhian thought, M.Ed., M.Phil and Ph.D. in Economics. She won Medal for securing first rank in M.A. (Women’s studies) at Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal. Presently, Reader in the Faculty of Rural Development, Gandhigram rural Institute (D.U.) Gandhigram, she has presented papers in several International, National and Regional seminars and workshops. A seasoned teacher having nearly one and half decade of professional standing, she is the author of many research papers, articles, monographs and books on a variety of issues relating to empowerment of women, self help groups, micro credit, rural women and Rural Development. She has been involved in development projects with emphasis on alternate credit delivery systems and women’s empowerment. She has undertaken projects on women self help groups, women co-operatives and women in poverty alleviation programmes. She has been guiding scholars working for M.Phil and Ph.D. degree. She is in the network of Non Governmental SHG Federations. She has been involved in developmental projects with emphasis on alternate credit delivery systems. Currently, she is running an Action research project on Self Help Groups and Self Help promoting Institutions funded by CAPART and a research project on Micro credit Intervention and Women Empowerment funded by ICSSR.