Abstract: The roles assigned for women are subordinated to those set apart for men and the rights given to women are fewer and less emancipating than those given to men and the obligations of women are more limited than those of men. SHGs have emerged as the appropriate people institution which provided the poor women with the space and support necessary to take effective steps towards greater control of their personal and social life. It is not a static body; rather it grows in its resources and management skills of its members. In promoting SHG movement both Governmental and Non-Governmental agencies were involved. SHG movement had been designed to benefit women, especially the rural belt, by providing them social status and identity. In India, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh had been successful in SHG movement. The present study analyse the impact of the self-help groups on rural women in the study area of Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.