Kudumbashree signifies different things to different people.

For some, it is Kerala's state government’s poverty eradication initiative. For others, it represents a network of women involved in social work. Many also associate Kudumbashree with the women who collect waste from households monthly.

Kudumbashree, a poverty eradication mission, operates through Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) in villages, and Community Development Societies (CDS) at broader levels. These terms are interchangeably used to describe the organization’s various aspects. Women credit Kudumbashree for providing nutrimix to Anganawadis, among other support.

To understand Kudumbashree’s history and evolution, we need to explore the community network of women and the supporting Mission. We will trace the experiments and experiences that shaped Kudumbashree.

Evolution of the Kudumbashree Idea:

• Kudumbashree originated from the People’s Plan Movement, a state strategy for mass mobilization for decentralized planning.
• It extended from the CDS experiments in Alappuzha and Malappuram, which themselves were influenced by NABARD's SHG Bank Linkage Programme.
• The foundation of Kudumbashree is NHGs, a concept deeply rooted in Kerala’s development history and traditional community organization forms.

The NHG concept contrasts with the SHG model promoted in various states and countries, as NHGs in Kerala were designed for planning and development actions.

• Kudumbashree evolved through community mobilization experiments and various civil society initiatives aimed at different community goals.
• The decentralization of powers to Panchayati raj institutions and the People’s Plan Campaign catalyzed Kudumbashree’s formation.

Launched during the 1996 People’s Plan Campaign, Kudumbashree operates under the local self-government department with support from the union government and NABARD. It comprises NHGs, ADSs at the ward level, and CDSs at the local government level. As of 2023, Kudumbashree includes over 300,000 NHGs, 19,000 ADSs, and 1,070 CDSs. It has also launched supplementary groups for young women, providing income-generating opportunities and social intervention platforms.

Role in Crisis Management:

In crisis like floods and pandemics, Kudumbashree has consistently supported Kerala and its people. Initially a cluster of microcredit neighborhood groups focusing on thrift and credit, Kudumbashree transformed women from poverty-stricken families into crisis managers and entrepreneurs.

Launched in Malappuram 26 years ago by Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, Kudumbashree aimed to integrate women into the societal mainstream.

Over the years, these women have become integral to grassroots planning for employment generation, poverty alleviation, and women empowerment.

• Kudumbashree mobilized women from various social sections into community activities statewide. Celebrating its silver jubilee, Kudumbashree now connects over half the families in Kerala, understanding the community’s evolving needs.
• Kudumbashree bridges the government and the common people, facilitating initiatives in micro-enterprising, social collectives, agricultural projects, rural development, and more. It has significantly empowered Dalit and tribal women, improving their lives.

Challenges and Contributions:

• Despite criticisms for not evolving sufficient gender perspectives, Kudumbashree’s impact on poverty reduction is unparalleled. It promoted numerous women’s initiatives, fostering gender-free participatory development. While Kudumbashree champions women empowerment, increasing violence against women highlights the need for stronger measures against such evils. Economic and political empowerment must be accompanied by mental and cultural empowerment to address Kerala’s ‘gender paradox.’
• Kudumbashree's mission has transitioned from a process approach to a project approach, becoming Kerala’s largest social capital project. Many members have become elected representatives in local bodies due to enforced reservations for women.
• Kudumbashree's consultancy work on women empowerment extends to over 12 states, contributing significantly to poverty reduction in Kerala. Studies, including the Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI Aayog, highlight its impact.

Future Directions:

Marking its silver jubilee, Kudumbashree reviewed its achievements, planning for future NHGs and sustainable development goals. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the organization to uplift 64,006 families in extreme poverty.

• In reflecting on Kudumbashree’s evolution, its response to the devastating floods a few years ago stands out. Kudumbashree donated Rs 7 crore to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund, matching contributions from tech giants and surpassing those from major foundations. Despite being flood victims themselves, Kudumbashree members remained committed to helping others.
• Kudumbashree also initiated extensive cleaning drives and psychological counseling for flood-affected families, set up community kitchens, and operated rehabilitation camps. The collective's weekly contribution is a modest Rs 10 per member, showcasing the power of collective effort.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kudumbashree provided crucial relief, manufactured and supplied masks and sanitizers, and established treatment centers.
• Its ‘Janakeeya Hotels’ ensured affordable meals for the needy, demonstrating Kudumbashree's capability in addressing larger social causes. Today, Kudumbashree operates 125 restaurants across Kerala, offering meals at affordable prices, further solidifying its role in the community.

Percentage of women benefited :

Kudumbashree benefits about 26-27% of Kerala's women, with over 4.5 million members in its 300,000 Neighbourhood Groups. This extensive reach underscores its significant role in promoting economic and social empowerment among a substantial portion of the state's female population.

Criticism 

• Kudumbashree, despite its successes, faces criticism for inadequate gender sensitivity and failing to address contemporary gender roles as Its economic initiatives are seen as limited.
• The mission's heavy dependence on government support raises concerns about its autonomy and sustainability. Additionally, while it enhances women's political participation, Kudumbashree struggles against entrenched social norms and political barriers, with critics highlighting its limited impact on broader systemic issues like rising violence against women.
• These challenges suggest a need for more ambitious and comprehensive approaches to truly empower women and achieve sustainable development.

Kudumbashree's non-implementation in other states is due to its context-specific nature, deeply rooted in Kerala's unique socio-political and cultural environment.

Kerala's high literacy rates, effective local governance, and strong tradition of grassroots mobilization are hard to replicate elsewhere.

Other states may lack similar political will, prioritizing different development models. Implementing Kudumbashree requires substantial resources, funding, and infrastructure, which may not be feasible for all states.

Additionally, variations in local needs and challenges make a one-size-fits-all approach unsuitable, as other regions may require tailored solutions that address their specific socio-economic conditions and cultural contexts.

Analysis of the mission:

• Kudumbashree, Kerala’s poverty eradication and women empowerment mission, has significantly impacted socio-economic development. Through a robust structure of Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs), Area Development Societies (ADS), and Community Development Societies (CDS), it has empowered women economically and socially.
• Kudumbashree has facilitated microcredit access, enabling women to start businesses and reduce poverty. It has also shown remarkable crisis management during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Politically, it has enhanced women's participation in local governance.

Despite challenges like addressing violence against women, Kudumbashree remains a model for community-driven development and empowerment.