Multidimensional Women Empowerment through Kudumbashree Participation: Evidence from Coastal Kerala, India

Abstract

Women's empowerment is an essential prerequisite for sustainable development and poverty reduction. Kudumbashree, Kerala's flagship poverty eradication mission, has emerged as one of the world's largest women-centered community networks. The present study examined the extent of women empowerment achieved through participation in Kudumbashree activities among members in Fort Cochin, Kerala. A descriptive survey was conducted among 30 randomly selected women members from functioning Neighborhood Groups (NHGs). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed substantial improvements in economic, social, personal, and familial empowerment. Approximately 80% of respondents reported increased household income after joining Kudumbashree, while 98% experienced improvement in their standard of living. Economic empowerment indicators such as income generation (86%), poverty alleviation (83%), and financial decision-making (60%) showed high levels of achievement. Social empowerment was reflected in increased confidence, social participation, and community engagement. However, political empowerment remained comparatively weak, with more than two-thirds of respondents reporting low political participation and leadership opportunities. The study concludes that Kudumbashree functions as an effective empowerment mechanism through economic inclusion and social participation, contributing significantly to women's agency and community development.