A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE KUDUMBA SHREE SELF-HELP GROUP PROGRAMMES (2020–2025)

Abstract

The social impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on women's empowerment and social inclusion is an ever-vibrant global topic. In India, a lot of studies have analysed the role of these self-help groups in fostering women’s economic, social, and political inclusion, moulding leadership skills, and strengthening physical and psychological wellness. In Kerala, the State Poverty Eradication Mission, Kudumbashree, started Neighbourhood SHGs (NHGs) with the aim of poverty eradication and women's empowerment and their social inclusion. It consists of a three-tier structure with Neighbourhood Groups (NHGS) working like SHGS as primary level units, Area Development Societies (ADS) at the ward level, and Community Development Societies (CDS) at the local government level.  While the community network is formed around the central themes of poverty eradication and women's empowerment, its main features include democratic leadership and support structures formed from the ‘Kudumbashree family’. There will be 10 - 20 members in each self-help group representing their homes.

 Kudumbashree has successfully linked with major government initiatives like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and MGNREGS and designed and implemented many empowerment programs, including Microfinance, Economic Entrepreneurship Development, the Haritha Karma Sena, and the Ashraya destitute rehabilitation project to realise the dream of women's inclusion and encourage women’s representation in societies and welfare programmes. With approximately 46 lakh members in its core groups, Kudumbashree constitutes one of the largest women’s movements in Asia. The mission continuously updates its empowerment agenda by planning various initiatives, entrepreneurship, empowerment programmes and also expanding its network through the formation of Auxiliary Groups for young women and students, Balasabha for teenagers, aiming to bridge generational gaps and leverage their capacity for social development, career development 

The purpose of this study is to consolidate those studies conducted in Kerala on Kudumbashree from 2020 to 2025, synthesising their social relevance, key themes, trends, challenges, and opportunities, and proposing valid policy recommendations. It analyses the updating of the SHG programmes and its extension to social and political participation

Primary Objectives:

1. To assess updating of the Kudumbashre SHG programme for women’s economic, social, and political empowerment in Kerala and its impacts
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of SHGs programmes in fostering leadership and democratic political, social participation among women and maintaining the social harmony of Kerala
3. To analyse the new extension of Kudumbashree and its effort to bridge the generation gap
4. To identify gaps in existing research and propose future directions for SHG-based interventions.

Thematic Analysis (Synthesis of Findings): This study proves that Kudumbashree updated its programme and formed supporting groups by understanding the necessity of society and the relevance of the social welfare programme. They utilise this platform for women to mould active leaders and decision-makers, to empower their roles in all segments of society, breaking all male dominance. Furthermore, the network has demonstrated the capacity to act as a community-based safety net, notably in developing psychosocial care skills for disaster-affected populations.it shows that the role of Kudumbashree in making our society a peaceful community

Research Methodology: This study is based purely on secondary data. Sources were selected from Google Scholar and reputed Indian and peer-reviewed journals, using key phrases such as "social inclusion women," "Self-help groups Kerala," and "trends and challenges." Innovative programmes for social inclusion, women's empowerment. Data was also collected from the official reports of the Kudumbashree Mission, the State Planning Board, and other relevant government departments.

Limitations of the Study: The core limitation of this review is the absence of primary data, as the study is based entirely on secondary sources. This reliance necessitates careful consideration of potential biases inherent in the selected body of existing research.