Social Safety Nets and Social Cohesion: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Ehsaas Cash Transfer Beneficiaries

Abstract

This study examines the transformative impact of the Ehsaas Cash Transfer (ECT) program on women’s empowerment in marginalized communities, focusing on the interplay between financial independence, horizontal networks, and self-esteem. Through qualitative analysis of beneficiaries’ experiences, the research identifies critical themes, including Challenges in Building Horizontal Networks, Temporary Social Bonds, Increased Visibility in Community Spaces, Enhanced Financial Contribution, Decision-Making in Domestic Matters, Symbolic Empowerment, Intersections of Self-Esteem and Empowerment, and Empowerment Beyond Transactions. The findings reveal that while the ECT program provides immediate financial relief, its influence extends beyond transactions, fostering incremental changes in women’s emotional resilience, self-perception, and domestic decision-making roles. However, the program’s impact is constrained by structural and cultural barriers, such as entrenched patriarchal norms and limited opportunities for social engagement. The study highlights the dual nature of empowerment achieved: financial autonomy that improves household dynamics and a gradual shift in societal recognition of women’s contributions. The research underscores the importance of complementing financial assistance with systemic reforms to address barriers to women’s full agency. Recommendations include fostering trust-building initiatives, enabling networking opportunities, and promoting educational and social inclusion efforts to ensure sustainable empowerment. This study contributes to the discourse on women’s empowerment by emphasizing the multifaceted impacts of cash transfer programs and the need for holistic approaches to gender equity.