An initiative to script a new chapter for Kudumbi women

Inspired by the Ayalkoottam of Kudumbashree Mission, the Kudumbi community is all set to launch a similar initiative for the women in the community. Such an initiative, the members in the community feel, will be a major step towards the emancipation of Kudumbi women.

“Till this day, we have been an unfortunate lot, knocking on all doors for our basic rights, but in vain. Hence we have decided to act firmly for our well-being, rather than waiting for any official actions,” said P V Mahesh, state general secretary, Kudumbi Yuvajana Sangham.

 He said that though they had started Sree Kurumba Swayam Sahayam Sangh for women, about three years back, it kept lying dormant for quite a long time.

“With the authorities giving scant attention to our plight, we have decided to strengthen the Sree Kurumba Swayam Sahayam Sangh. Giving more thrust to Ayalkoottam is a major step in this regard,” he said.

The community members believe that such an initiative has become a pressing need.

“As the Kudumbi community is lagging behind in every aspect, especially in education, women in the community have become complete introverts.

“If this situation prevails for a long time, it would be difficult to break the fetters,” said Sunil C S, state vice-president, Kudumbi Yuvajana Sangham.

According to the community members, ‘Kudumbi Ayalkoottam’ is a platform for the women of their community to interact with each other. Since it is difficult to obtain financial assistance, they have decided to set up just small units initially, which manufacture pickles, candles, soaps and the like.

“A small amount would be collected from the members of the ‘Kudumbi Ayalkoottam’ for this purpose. By managing such small units, we believe that it would also give them a sense of independence,” he said.

But, he adds that the major bottleneck behind such a venture is the lack of financial assistance. Though the members approached several banks, none have responded positively, except Dhanalakshmi Bank, Thrissur.

He said that approaching the state government had also not yielded positive results so far.