President Droupadi Murmu officially launched Kudumbashree’s silver jubilee festivities.
What is Kudumbashree?
- Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication and women empowerment programme run by Kerala’s State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM).
- The programme was launched in 1997 as a result of suggestions from a state-appointed task commission.
- It was developed as part of Kerala’s devolution of powers to Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the People’s Plan Campaign.
- Kudumbashree membership is open to all adult women, with a limit of one membership per family.
- Kudumbashree was designated as the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) by the Centre in 2011.
Mechanism of operation
- Kudumbashree is organised into three levels: Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs), Area Development Societies (ADS), and Community Development Societies (CDS).
- Between 2000 and 2002, the community network was steadily expanded to span the entire state.
Kudumbashree’s Evolution and Contributions
- Kudumbashree has changed dramatically in the last 25 years.
- During the Kerala floods, Kudumbashree contributed significantly to the Chief Minister’s relief fund, outstripping contributions from IT titans and foundations.
- Initially, the organisation was conceived as an all-women poverty relief programme.
- Despite being flood victims themselves, Kudumbashree members demonstrated strength and generosity in helping others.
Involvement in the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Kudumbashree was critical in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges.
- They created and distributed masks and disinfectants.
- The organisation established COVID treatment centres and served as the coordinating agency for COVID management in a number of local governments.
- ‘Janakeeya Hotels’ provided low-cost meals to individuals in need, including those under quarantine at home.
Social Impact and Empowerment
- Kudumbashree has given women control and facilitated grassroots planning for job creation, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.
- It encouraged women to participate in community activities and in local government.
- Micro-enterprises, agricultural projects, rural development, and compassion programmes are among Kudumbashree’s efforts.
- The organisation has made great progress in the empowerment of Dalit and tribal women.
Challenges and Future Prospects
- Critics emphasise the importance of Kudumbashree evolving gender viewpoints and alternative development approaches.
- Despite criticism, Kudumbashree has made an incomparable contribution to poverty reduction.
- The organization’s mission is to combat gender-based crimes and societal problems.
- Mental and cultural empowerment are regarded as critical for addressing the ‘gender conundrum’ in Kerala.
@the end
- Kudumbashree’s success in alleviating poverty is generally acknowledged.
- Combating gender-based crimes and issues will require ongoing efforts.
- Kudumbashree aspires to be a good force for society transformation and women’s empowerment.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/25-years-of-kudumbashree-how-this-kerala-women-s-collective-intervened-to-empower-women-fight-poverty-89430