The Symphony of Sisterhood

H. Dineshan IAS

Executive Director, Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree, the largest women-led collective in Asia, stands as Kerala’s pillar of grassroots social and economic empowerment

The largest women’s conglomeration in the continent of Asia, Kudumbashree, is the pride of Kerala and the iconic symbol of the state’s grassroots-level social and economic development. It is the ultimate paradigm of women’s empowerment and poverty eradication initiatives that can be proudly showcased before the world. The movement, which has completed 26 active years, continues to ignite the social and economic progress of women and society as a whole. 46.16 lakh women are part of this awe-inspiring establishment. The model of Kudumbashree can be emulated anywhere in the world, as the joys and pangs of womanhood are ubiquitous.

1. Institutional Building and Capacity Building

T he greatest strength of Kudumbashree is its three tier organisational structure, viz. the Neighbourhood Groups (NHG), Area Development Society (ADS), and Community Development Society (CDS). Apart from the mainstream NHGs, transgender NHGs and differently-abled NHGs have also been formed for the upliftment of these sections.

Auxiliary Groups for Youth

19,422 auxiliary groups were set up to mould a strong generation of youngsters and encourage entrepreneurship. As part of this, the ambitious She Starts project was launched.

Coastal Area Development

Special focus is given to empowering women in coastal areas. Through 8,000 coastal NHGs, with a grant of Rs 15,000 for each individual, Rs 12 crore revolving fund has been expended in the coastal region.

Model CDS

Out of the 941 CDS in Kerala, 319 have been developed as model CDS. This accomplishment has improved the governance capability of these organisations and enhanced their financial stability.

Village Prosperity Resilience Programme

Kudumbashree has successfully implemented projects in these 941 CDS and integrated them into the developmental plans of Gram Panchayats.

2. Financial Independence

Kudumbashree, through its various schemes, offers substantial financial assistance to its members. The members are regularly given financial literacy classes, helping them build financial discipline and stay updated about banking reforms. Last year, 15 lakh Kudumbashree members attended training. Kudumbashree, along with the State Insurance Department and Life Insurance Corporation of India, has instituted the Jeevan Deepam Oruma insurance project.

Microfinance

Microfinance is one of the prominent activities of Kudumbashree. Through this initiative, Rs 9,054 crore has been invested in various banks in the state. To enhance efficiency, NHG grading and Financial Inclusion Clinics were introduced. More than 12,500 loan repayment issues were resolved through these clinics.

Bulk Loan

T he Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation, Kerala State Women Development Corporation, and Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation grant bulk loans to Kudumbashree CDS. T hese agencies provide a maximum loan of Rs 3 crore at an interest rate of 5% to CDS, which then extends the loan at a rate of 6% to NHGs. This enables NHGs to access credit at a discounted rate for self-employment schemes, enhancing livelihood opportunities. The CDS, in turn, can utilise the 1% interest margin for its operations. In 2024, loans worth Rs 255 crore were disbursed to 131 CDS. Over the last seven years, Rs 17,369 crore has been provided as loans. Kudumbashree has deployed a community-based repayment monitoring system to oversee loan repayments. As an interest subsidy for all NHG loans, Kudumbashree has disbursed Rs 636.19 crore to its members. A revolving fund of Rs 28.87 crore has been granted to 19,253 NHGs. Additionally, Rs 60 crore has been allocated as a Vulnerability Reduction Fund.

Rs 7,540 crore in seven years

When COVID-19 inflicted losses on NHG assets and loans, special efforts were made at the CDS level, resulting in Rs 7,540 crore in investment. Additionally, NHG members received internal loans worth Rs 8,282 crore. Also, Rs 30,611 crore worth of linkage loans were given to 3.87 lakh NHGs. Since members were able to receive loans swiftly through NHGs, their dependence on loan sharks was minimised.

3. Non-Agricultural Livelihood Sector

Kudumbashree has devised several livelihood operations for the financial empowerment of women. The most important among these is self-employment ventures. Kudumbashree plays a significant role in finding employment opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors, thereby ensuring sustainable income f low and accelerating regional economic growth. Today, Kudumbashree facilitates 1.43 lakh micro-enterprises, employing around 3 lakh women.

Apart from conventional small enterprises like Apparel Park, cafés, food processing, handicrafts, soap making, lotion making, event management, daycare, etc., Kudumbashree has ventured into new-age enterprises. K4 Care, which integrates domestic care services, Lunch Bell, which provides meals at reasonable rates, and Café Premium restaurants are examples of innovative entrepreneurship.

Haritha Karma Sena, Micro Enterprise Resource Centres, Take A Break, Public Service Centres, Santhwanam, Amritham Nutrimix units, Building Construction units, the Pearl project for Non-Resident Keralites who returned for good, Prathayasha, Arise Multi-Task Team, etc., are some of Kudumbashree’s major ventures. The One Stop Facility Centre, Incubation Centre in the micro-enterprise sector, and the Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme have gained traction in the state.

Kudumbashree’s venture into online marketing has revolutionised the sales of its products. Kudumbashree successfully introduced its own brands, and the Pocket Mart mobile application brought all Kudumbashree products and services onto a single platform. Kudumbashree products are also available on major online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Saheli, ONDC, Meesho, etc. Sales are further supported through nano markets, marketing kiosks, national Saras fests, food fests, trade fairs, etc. In the latest Saras fest organised at Chengannur from 20 to 31 January 2025, product and food sales amounted to Rs 17.54 crore. So far, a total of Rs 97.36 crore has been collected through all Saras fests.

Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme

T his programme, aimed at encouraging rural entrepreneurship, has been highly successful. A total of 35,978 enterprises have been established and continue to receive support from trained consultants. Another initiative, the Rebuild Kerala Initiative – Entrepreneurship Development Project, assists entrepreneurs in flood-affected areas. Under this project, 20,047 enterprises have been set up.

4. Agricultural Sector

Kudumbashree has made significant strides in agriculture and animal husbandry. Kudumbashree operates 91,018 farmer groups, involving 4,15,314 women cultivating 18,432.42 hectares. Additionally, Kudumbashree runs initiatives such as Nature’s Fresh Agri Kiosk, producer groups, integrated farming clusters, agri-business units, value-added units, etc. Members are also trained in drone operations to advance smart farming. Several funding schemes are available to promote agricultural entrepreneurship.

5. Social Development and Inclusion

Kudumbashree has undertaken numerous initiatives to integrate marginalised sections, such as destitute individuals and differently-abled persons, into the mainstream

T he Destitute-Free Kerala project aims to provide emotional and social support, as well as livelihood opportunities, to the destitute. This initiative has benefitted 1,57,382 destitute families in Kerala.

6. Gender

Kudumbashree not only ensures women’s financial independence but also implements several projects that promote their overall personality development. The 24-hour Snehitha Gender Help Desk, Vigilant Groups, Gender Resource Centres, and Gender Clubs in schools and colleges have become highly impactful.

7. A Helping Hand in Crisis

Kerala has witnessed numerous instances of Kudumbashree’s compassion and commitment during crises. Whether in floods or the COVID-19 pandemic, Kudumbashree has been at the forefront of relief efforts. As Kudumbashree completes 26 years, women have transcended the periphery of domicile inertia to claim their space in the mainstream, gaining visibility in all spheres, particularly in the social and cultural realms. Kudumbashree continues to shine through its members and their contributions, illuminating the state as a whole.