KUDUMBASHREE
Kudumbashree was conceived as a joint programme of the Government of Kerala and Nabard implemented through Community Development Societies (CDSs) of Poor Women, serving as the community wing of Local Governments. Kudumbashree is formally registered as the "State Poverty Eradication Mission" (SPEM), a society registered under the Travancore Kochi Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act 1955. It has a governing body chaired by the State Minister of LSG. There is a state mission with a field officer in each district. This official structure supports and facilitates the activities of the community network across the state. Kudumbashree differs from conventional programmes in that it perceives poverty not just as the deprivation of money, but also as the deprivation of basic rights. The poor need to find a collective voice to help claim these rights. The grassroots of Kudumbashree are Neighbourhood Groups (NHG in short) that send representatives to the ward level Area Development Societies (ADS). The ADS sends its representatives to the Community Development Society (CDS), which completes the unique three-tier structure of Kudumbashree. Today, there are 2.58 lakhs NHGs, over 19,700 ADSs and 1072 CDSs in Kudumbashree. Read More |
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Local Economic Development
The relevance of local response to economic development needs of a community has increased in recent times, what with climate change and issues of food and water security developing hitherto unexpected dimensions. A local community which through its governance and participation structures is able to generate employment, stimulate local production and ensure the well being of the most vulnerable of its people would become a role model of inclusive growth. The confluence of Kudumbashree’s community structure with local governance provides the ingredients for the development of just such a model of local economic development. Read More |
Social Development
From reaching out to the poorest of the poor to empowering tribal groups, from caring for the disabled to open up a new world of opportunity to children from poor families, from enabling women to find their voice, to empowering them to become the social conscience of the community, Kudumbashree’s space in social development has been multifaceted and challenging. While care and compassion are one end of the social framework, claiming and upholding rights form the other end. Read More |
Women Empowerment
Real empowerment occurs only when rights can be legitimately claimed and are universally acknowledged. It is the endeavour of Kudumbashree to bring the discussion on women’s rights and issues into the heart of the development debate. The organisational structure and capacity building programmes of kudumbashree attempt to develop the leadership capabilities and opportunities for intervention in development activities. The Gender Self Learning Programme is a unique experiment to consolidate women's voices and discuss gender disparities. Read More |