Socio-economic empowerment of women through kudumbashree: a study of bedadukka grama panchayat, kasaragod

Abstract

Kudumbashree programme visualizes women empowerment as a strategical route towards the ultimate goal of poverty eradication. The study entitled Socio – economic empowerment of women through Kudumbashree - A case study of Kudumbashree units in Bedadukka Grama Panchayat, Kasaragod was carried out with the objective of identifying the role of Kudumbashree in social and economic empowerment of women by Kudumbashree sample of 10 Kudumbashree units which has been working since 5 years was selected and 50 members (5 from each unit) were selected as respondents. The data were collected from the units through a sample survey based on structured schedule. Composite index calculated for identifying the role of Kudumbashree in social and economic activities showed a high value. Overall economic empowerment of women by Kudumbashree also showed a high value indicating that the empowerment by Kudumbashree is good. Savings, income generating activities, accessibility to credit, indebtedness, acquisition of assets, etc. had showed a great value after joining the Kudumbashree programme. In the social aspect, empowerment was observed in involvement in social activities especially in attending Grama Sabha, access to information, knowledge and skill, contact with development departments and agencies, entrepreneurial ability and managerial ability. In these, the most empowered factors are managerial ability and entrepreneurial ability. This study has proved beyond doubt that Kudumbashree have been able to empower the poor both socially and economically.