Kudumbashree

        Kudumbashree is a people's movement of the Government of Kerala working for women’s empowerment and poverty eradication. The name “Kudumbashree” means “prosperity of the family.” Launched in 1998, it has grown into one of the largest women’s community networks in the world.

Kudumbashree is a prestigious initiative of Kerala that aims to ensure the economic, social, and cultural development of families and communities through women’s collective action. It plays a significant role in helping women achieve self-reliance, leadership skills, and social empowerment.

Main Objectives  Kudumbashree

  • Social and economic empowerment of women
  • Poverty eradication
  • Promotion of self-employment and entrepreneurship
  • Strengthening savings and credit activities
  • Holistic development of families and communities

Organizational Structure

Kudumbashree functions through a three-tier system:

  • Neighbourhood Group (NHG) – The basic unit of Kudumbashree
  • Area Development Society (ADS) – Ward-level federation
  • Community Development Society (CDS) – Local self-government level federation

Major Activities

  • Savings and credit programmes
  • Micro-enterprises
  • Agriculture and animal husbandry
  • Skill development and vocational training
  • Health, nutrition, and social development activities
  • Leadership development for women

Kudumbashree has become a model for community-based development and women’s empowerment, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of Kerala.

Kudumbashree Activities in Poothrikka Grama Panchayat

Kudumbashree activities in Poothrikka Grama Panchayat are actively contributing to women’s empowerment and socio-economic development. The Panchayat has a total of 121 Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) functioning across its 16 wards. Through these NHGs, women participate in savings and credit activities, self-employment initiatives, and various social development programmes.

To coordinate the activities of the NHGs at the ward level,  Area Development Societies (ADSs) are functioning in the Panchayat. These societies comprise a total of 176 ADS members. The ADSs play a vital role in planning, coordinating, and implementing Kudumbashree activities within their respective wards.

At the Panchayat level, the Community Development Society (CDS) serves as the apex body for coordinating Kudumbashree programmes. Through the CDS, various government schemes, women welfare initiatives, entrepreneurship development programmes, skill training activities, and community development projects are effectively implemented.