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Study focuses on effectiveness of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in rural India from a sociological perspective. Gender inequality remains a major challenge in rural society, where women often experience discrimination in education, employment, decision-making, property rights, and social participation due to patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and limited access to resources. In this context, SHGs have emerged as an important mechanism for improving the socio-economic conditions of rural women through savings, credit activities, collective participation, and awareness generation The study is based on secondary data collected from books, research articles, government reports, journals, and policy documents. It analyzes the role of SHGs in enhancing women's economic independence, social awareness, political participation, leadership development, and decision-making power. The study is supported by sociological perspectives such as Feminist Theory, Empowerment Theory, and Amartya Sen's Capability Approach, which explain how SHGs contribute to challenging patriarchal structures and expanding women's capabilities and opportunities. The findings indicate that SHGs significantly contribute to women's economic and social empowerment by improving access to microcredit, skill development, income-generating activities, and community participation. SHGs also promote awareness regarding education, healthcare, legal rights, and gender justice, thereby strengthening women's confidence and collective identity. Furthermore, participation in SHGs enhances women's involvement in household decision-making and local governance institutions. However, the study also observes that the effectiveness of SHGs varies across regions due to factors such as illiteracy, caste hierarchy, poverty, patriarchal attitudes, and inadequate institutional support. The study concludes that SHGs are not merely financial institutions but important agents of social transformation that contribute to gender equality and inclusive rural development. Strengthening SHGs through policy support, education, training, and institutional assistance can further enhance their role in achieving sustainable women's empowerment and social justice in rural areas.