From survival to global model, Kudumbashree 2.0 bets on women-led prosperity in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, June 17 (IANS) Kerala's internationally acclaimed women empowerment movement 'Kudumbashree' is set for a new transformation, with the state government on Wednesday announcing Kudumbashree 2.0, aimed at taking the initiative from poverty alleviation to becoming a global model for inclusive growth and economic development.

Launching the new phase, Local Self Government Minister K.M. Shaji on Wednesday said Kudumbashree must evolve from a system that provides support to one that creates opportunities, marking a shift from survival to prosperity.

"Kudumbashree 2.0 is not just a change in a scheme, but a transformation in the growth of society," the Minister said while inaugurating a state-level workshop for newly elected local body representatives and Community Development Society (CDS) chairpersons.

The new vision seeks to reposition Kudumbashree women as active players in the economy, not merely beneficiaries of welfare programmes.

The focus will be on strengthening entrepreneurship, improving market access, adopting technology and building brands capable of competing beyond Kerala.

The Minister said every ward could become a small economic centre if local bodies, youth groups and skilled professionals work together with Kudumbashree units.

He stressed that local governments must integrate Kudumbashree into their annual development plans so that welfare benefits and livelihood opportunities reach the grassroots effectively.

"Kudumbashree must move from small enterprises to bigger possibilities," he said, adding that women should not only participate in the new economy but also lead it.

The initiative, launched in 1998, has often been cited as one of India's most successful community-based women empowerment models.

With its network of neighbourhood groups and micro-enterprises, Kudumbashree has become a key platform for women's participation in local development.

District Panchayat President V. Priyadarshini said closer coordination between local bodies and Kudumbashree would strengthen development activities in areas such as women's livelihood projects, agriculture and animal husbandry.

Local Self Government Department Principal Director Divya S. Iyer said the rise in women's happiness and confidence in Kerala after Kudumbashree's arrival reflected the social impact of the movement.

The next phase, she added, would be about building a Kerala where women move from dependence to economic leadership.

Kudumbashree now aims to write what the Minister described as the next chapter of Kerala's development story, one built on prosperity, innovation and women-led growth.

--IANS

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