This paper focuses on how the women beneficiaries of empowerment programmes perceive interventions and what according to them are the outcomes of such interventions. Using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions this study documents women’s perceptions about the changes brought about by credit and concretization programmes.

Women hold that many important and positive changes took place at individual, familial and societal levels. They feel that they have gained greater access and control over resources. Further, the relationship of women with others have improved. To a lesser extent, they have become able to change the external environment.

Women are valued more in the family for their contribution in family’s income. Verbal and physical abuse and violence against women have been reduced. Women’s mobility has increased tremendously. Women have developed linkages with various service providing institutions and social organizations. Women have learned to defend their own interests through group actions. All of these have ultimately translated into better living conditions for children. Of utmost importance is the fact that women themselves highly value the changes that took place in their conditions and positions.