Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
27.4% of enterprises in Pathanamthitta are women-owned. 76.3% of women have their own bank account, close to the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹55,357 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
78% of registered enterprises are in services while 22% are in manufacturing. Only 5% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 82% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Pathanamthitta, which ranks 9 of 15 in Kerala for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 55 out of 100. The district runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 61.1%, while it lags on women's freedom of movement at 21.4%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 74.3%, it sits close to the national mark.