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Kudumbashree Pink cafes which serve indigenous cuisine at affordable rates to be extended to more districts

Kudumbashree Pink Cafes which serve indigenous cuisine at affordable rates would be extended to more districts in Kerala, soon. Pink Cafe was launched in November 2020 at Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The concept behind 'Pink Cafe' was starting Kudumbashree's Branded Restaurants that serve indigenous cuisine including steam cooked snacks at affordable rates. Kudumbashree launched the 'Pink Cafes' focusing on this concept during November 2020 and now, these Pink Cafes have got wide acceptance among the general public. On the grounds of this acceptance, Kudumbashree was able to extend the formation activities of the Pink Cafes to more districts.

The formation of Pink Cafes was started in such a way that the branded restaurants were opened in old KSRTC buses designed in fixed models. Kudumbashree started the first Pink Café at East Fort of Thiruvananthapuram district. KSRTC provided the bus at fixed charge and converted the same into a restaurant model. Kudumbashree arranged the interior design and the basic amenities. Along with the indigenous cuisine, other vegetarian, non-vegetarian cuisines are prepared and are served through the café. The entrepreneurs of this café were able to make sales of around Rs 22,000 per day before the second lockdown. In addition to the Pink Café at Thiruvananthapuram, Kudumbashree was able to start Pink Cafes at Kottayam, Idukki and Kozhikode districts. Recently, Pink Café was started in Kollam district on 19 December 2021. 'Pink Cafes' are started as kiosks in fixed models at main locations where the KSRTC buses weren't available. A Pink Café is run by a unit that includes five members. Therefore, through a Pink Café, it is able to bring income to five families.

The details of the location where the Pink Cafes function in the districts are given below:
1. Thiruvananthapuram Pink Café- East fort KSRTC Depot
2. Kollam-KSRTC Bus Stand Depot Garage
3. Kottayam-Medical College Hospital
4. Idukki-Pallivasal Panchayath Randam Mile
5. Kozhikode- Kayanna Family Health Centre

Pink Cafes are one of the efforts of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs to overcome the crisis caused by covid-19 pandemic.Pink Café Entrepreneurs and Kudumbashree Team members are making relentless efforts to extend the activities of Pink Cafes to more districts. It is expected that the public would wholeheartedly welcome and support Pink Cafes like they do for the Kudumbashree enterprises.

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Kudumbashree Pink cafes which serve indigenous cuisine at affordable rates to be extended to more districtsen

Kudumbashree's 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam'- Script Workshop of the Cultural Procession (Kalajatha) starts

The Script Workshop of the Cultural Procession (Kalajatha) as part of the awareness programme of 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam', the State Level Campaign has been started at Arts and Crafts Village, Vellar, Thiruvananthapuram on 28 December 2021. The programme is being organized under the leadership of Kudumbashree against dowry system and atrocities towards women. The Script Workshop would be held till 31 December 2021. The Script Workshop is being held under the leadership of Shri. Karivellur Murali, Shri. Rafeeq Mangalasserry, Smt. Sreeja Arangottukara, Shri. Vinod Vaisakhi and Smt. V. S Bindu.

The first phase of the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' campaign would be held from 18 December 2021 to 8 March 2022. The one month long Cultural Procession would be started in February 2022. The Cultural Procession (Kalajatha) would include two music programmes and one short play. On the first day of the workshop, the discussion regarding the idea formulation of the Cultural Procession was held under the leadership of Dr. T. K Anandi. Smt. Suja Susan George, Dr. A.G Oleena, Smt. Amrutha, Smt. Maggi, Representative of Prathidhwani Cultural Organization, Smt. Biji, Representative of Rangashree, the theatre group of Kudumbashree women, Shri. B. S Manoj, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Smt. Sindhu. V, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree and Smt. Preetha G Nair, State Assistant Programme Manager, Kudumbashree took part in the discussion.

Once the script of the Cultural Procession would be fully completed, the State Level Training Camp would be conducted. One team each would be set up in every districts under the leadership of Rangashree members for the Cultural Procession. District Level Camps would be organized for the same. Following that, the Cultural Processions would be held in every district in the routes decided by the District Missions. Through the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign, Kudumbashree envisages to put an end to the social evils like dowry, atrocities against women and lavish weddings and to lead the people towards women sided social literacy.

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'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam'- Script Workshop of the Cultural Procession (Kalajatha) startsen

Chief Minister of Kerala officially inaugurates 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign

Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurated the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign which is being organized by Kudumbashree at Nishagandhi Auditorium, Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram on 18 December 2021. The campaign aim at equipping the society to nurture social attitude against dowry, violence towards women and resist the same. Shri. M. V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Through 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Campaign, it is envisaged to take the awareness messages against dowry and violence towards women to all sectors of the society and thereby bring in a mind shift among the society and the general public.

Smt. J. Chinchu Rani, Minister of Dairy Development & Animal Husbandry, Government of Kerala launched the approach note of the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Campaign during the function. Smt. R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Government of Kerala launched the Kudumbashree Toll Free Number 1800-425-2088. The Crime Mapping Process was announced by Smt. P. Sathidevi, Chairperson, Kerala Women's Commission. Ms. Nimisha Sajayan, Cine Actor and the Campaign Ambassador, read out the Sthreepaksha Navakeralam pledge. Ms. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation handed over the prizes to the winners who came in the first three places of 'Kudumbashree Oru Nerchithram' Photography Competition. Shri. V. K Prasanth, MLA, Vattiyoorkavu Constituency handed over the prizes to the consolation prize winners. The Signature Song of Sthreepaksha Navakeralam Campaign was also launched at the function.

Smt. P.I Sreevidya IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala, Shri. D Suresh Kumar, President, Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath, Shri. Jiju P Alex, Planning Board Member, Smt. Mini Sukumar, Planning Board Member, Shri. M. Krishnadas, Chairman, Municipal Chairmen's Chamber and Shri. B.P Murali, President, Block Panchayath Association extended the felicitations. Adv, Shailaja Beegum, Vice President, District Panchayath, Shri. S. Salim, President, Welfare Standing Committee, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Smt. R Parvathy Devi, PSC Member, Dr. P. S Sreekala, Director, Kerala State Literacy Mission, Smt. Vinitha. P, Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation CDS 2 took part in the programme. Dr. K. R Shaiju, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission extended vote of thanks.

Various cultural programmes were also organized prior to the function in connection with the concept of 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam'. Along with the State Level Inauguration, District Level, LSGD Level and Ward Level Meetings were organized and everyone took the pledge of 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam'. The first phase of the Campaign would be held from 18 December 2021 to 8 March 2022. During the first week of the campaign, discussions would be held on the topic, 'Dowry & Violence' at 3 lakh Neighborhood Groups (NHGs) and 19,542 Auxiliary Groups across the state. Various activities such as Poster Campaign, Social Media Challenge, Wall Painting Campaigns, Webinars ensuring the participation of College Students etc would be organized in the following weeks. After the first phase, the follow up activities would also be conducted

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Chief Minister of Kerala officially inaugurates 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaignen

'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Promo Video launched

The promo video of the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' which is being organized by Kudumbashree from 18 December 2021 to 8 March 2022 has been launched at Kudumbashree State Mission, Thiruvananthapuram. Smt. P. I Sreevidya, Executive Director, Kudumbashree launched the video by presenting it to the Gender team members. The promo video includes Ms. Nimisha Sajayan, Cine Actor and the Campaign Ambassador of 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Campaign. Through 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Campaign, it is envisaged to take the awareness messages against dowry and violence towards women to all sectors of the society and thereby bring in a mind shift among the society and the general public.

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'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Promo Video launched

Procession in connection with 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign held

Procession and two wheeler rally in connection with the State Level Inauguration of the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign was held at Thiruvananthapuram on 16 December 2021. The Procession was flagged off by Shri. V Sivankutty, Minister of General Education, Government of Kerala. The Procession started from the Museum Junction and ended at the Statue Junction. The procession was held following the covid protocol. The Campaign would be officially inaugurated by Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala on 18 December 2021.

Shri Murugan Kattakkada, Poet, recited his poem at the programme. Around 300 people including various CDS Chairpersons from the district, Gender Resource Persons, Block Coordinators, Community Councilors became part of the procession. Smt. A Shailaja Beegum, Vice President, District Panchayath, Shri. Salim, President, Welfare Standing Committee, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Shri. B.S Manoj, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree, Dr. K.R Shaiju, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission and Smt. Shani Nijam, Assistant District Mission Coordinator gave leadership to the procession.

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Procession in connection with 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign held

"Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign announced & logo released

'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign was announced and the logo was released. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise, Government of Kerala has launched the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign and released the logo of the campaign at Press Club, Kannur on 13 December 2021. The logo of the campaign was launched by the Minister by giving the same to Smt. P.I Sreevidya IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree. Kudumbashree organizes the 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign aiming at equipping the society to nurture social attitude against dowry, violence towards women and resist it. Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala would officially inaugurate the campaign scheduled to be held at Kanakakunnu Nishagandhi Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram on 18 December 2021 at 3 PM.

Ms. Nimisha Sajayan, Cine Actor is the Campaign Ambassador of 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign. Through 'Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Campaign, it is envisaged to take the awareness messages against dowry and violence towards women to all sectors of the society and thereby bring in a mind shift among the society and the general public. The first phase of the campaign activities which would be kick started on 18 December will continue till 8 March 2022.

During the first week of the campaign, discussions would be held on the topic, 'Dowry & Violence' at 3 lakh Neighborhood Groups (NHGs) and 19,542 Auxiliary Groups across the state. Various activities such as Poster Campaign, Social Media Challenge, Wall Painting Campaigns, Webinars ensuring the participation of College Students etc would be organized in the following weeks.

In connection with the conclusion of the three and a half month long campaign, an International Conclave would be organized including the eminent personalities in Women Empowerment sector at International level. Woman Centric Action Plan would be presented based on the ideas evolved from all districts, as part of the campaign. Kudumbashree would move forward with the follow up activities even after the completion of the campaign. Various programmes such as Women Centric Discussions, Women Centric Fraternities, Women Power Congregations, Women Centric Navakerala Congregation, Gender Club formation at School, College, Ward levels etc would also be organized.

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"Sthreepaksha Navakeralam' Gender Campaign announced & logo releaseden

Kudumbashree entrepreneurs record great sales at Indian International Trade Fair

Kudumbashree entrepreneurs had participated at the Indian International Trade Fair (IITF), which was held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14-27 November 2021 and recorded sales of Rs 37,91,946. IITF was organized under the leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development and India Trade Promotion Council (ITPO). Saras Mela was also conducted as part of IITF under the leadership of National Rural Livelihood Mission for introducing the best products of rural entrepreneurs across the country. Kudumbashree had actively participated in these trade fairs as well.

The selected products of the entrepreneurs from Wayanad, Kottayam, Idukki and Kozhikode districts were set up for sale in the Kudumbashree Commercial Stall at Kerala Pavilion in connection with IITF. Sales of Rs 10,06,511 was recorded from this stall. Kalyani Catering unit from Thrissur district and Annapurna Catering unit from Malappuram district took part at the Food Court set up as part of the Trade Fair. They served indigenous dishes of Kerala and sales of Rs 6,43,550 was recorded from the food court. The entrepreneurs from Palakkad, Idukki, Malappuram and Thrissur districts had took part in the Saras Trade Fair. They were able to make a sales of Rs 21,41,885. In addition to that, a special theme stall was arranged at IITF on the theme 'Self Reliant India' that explained the Kudumbashree livelihood activities/Entrepreneurship Development Projects.

The IITF trade fair has been a ray of hope for micro entrepreneurs who were in crisis due to the spread of covid-19 pandemic. Kudumbashree has also been making effective interventions to help the Kudumbashree entrepreneurs market their products through various activities such as onam markets, the 'Onam Utsav' Online Trade Fair conducted through www.kudumbashreebazaar.com, Kudumbashree's online portal etc. It is in addition to organizing such trade fairs, Kudumbashree arranges opportunities for the micro entrepreneurs to participate in important trade fairs, thereby help them to find market for their products.

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Kudumbashree entrepreneurs record great sales at Indian International Trade Fairen

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week observance: Webinar organized for Kudumbashree Office Bearers

An online Antibiotic Awareness Webinar was organized for Kudumbashree Office Bearers in connection with the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week observance on 22 November 2021. The awareness classes were led by Dr. Aravind, Head, Infectious Disease Department, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram and Dr. Indu P.S, Head, Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Kollam. The programme was organized jointly by the State Health Department, Kudumbashree and Local Self Government Department.

Sessions were held on the topics such as the right usage of Antibiotics, the issues caused due to negligence and side effects. The office bearers of Kudumbashree CDSs, ADSs and NHGs have taken part in the training programme. The online class was live streamed through the official YouTube, Facebook pages of Kudumbashree and KILA and around 4000 people have watched this online training programme.

Smt. P.I Sreevidya IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree welcomed the gathering. Dr. Vidya V. S who is in charge of the training section of National Health Mission leads the programme. Shri. C. C Nishad, State Programme Manager, Kudumbashree extended the Vote of Thanks. The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is celebrated from 19-24 November 2021.

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World Antimicrobial Awareness Week observance: Webinar organized for Kudumbashree Office Bearers

Kudumbashree Auxiliary Group Formation Progressing

The formation of Auxiliary Groups are progressing across the state. The Auxiliary Groups are being formed with the objective of creating a new space for the social, cultural and livelihood upliftment of young women. It is aimed at 'forming a minimum of one Auxiliary Group in every ward'. As per the statistics till 18 November 2021, a total of 19,521 Auxiliary Groups have been formed which has 3,00,531 young women as members. The districts are moving forward with the aim of forming Auxiliary Groups in all wards. In some districts, more than one group has been formed in a ward.

Auxiliary Group Formation also aims at taking the benefits of these various projects, being implemented through Kudumbashree to young women. Young women between 18 and 40 years of age can become members of Auxiliary Groups. One group will be formed in a ward. A group can have a maximum of 50 members. If more women come forward, another group could be formed in the same ward.

The main objectives of Auxiliary Groups include setting an arena that would help in finding opportunities for women empowerment, financial empowerment of the families through young women and thereby to the social upliftment, arranging a public platform to discuss the social issues faced by women such as dowry, domestic violence etc and to find solutions for the same, for equipping young women to get together devoid of the differences in politics, religion, caste, creed and actively involved in the developmental activities of the state, to make the young women confident enough to intervene in the developmental activities, discuss and respond to the general matters of the state according to the present social situations, for quipping the women to function associating with the various campaigns/ programmes such as the 'Jagrutha Samithi' for intervening in the social issues of women, 'Vimukthi' against alcoholism 'Samam' project implemented by the Cultural Department etc, to create an avenue to introduce the activities of various agencies that function for the welfare and development of the youth such as Youth Commission, Youth Welfare Board etc and to achieve good results, for creating awareness about the various livelihood projects being implemented by Central- State Governments, Cooperative Department etc and thereby create opportunities to make sustainable livelihood possible.

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Kudumbashree Auxiliary Group Formation Progressingen

Kudumbashree opens 10 stalls at Indian International Trade Fair 2021- Saras Mela 2021 being held at Delhi

Kudumbashree has opened 10 stalls at the 40th India International Trade Fair 2021- Saras Mela 2021 being held at Delhi. The Indian International Trade Fair is being held under the leadership of India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) and Ministry of Rural Development at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Saras Mela of National Rural Livelihood Mission for introducing the best products of the rural enterprises, all across India is also being held as part of the IITF. The IITF is being held from 14-27 November 2021. Kudumbashree has four stalls in IITF and there are 6 stalls of Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs at the Saras Mela.

Commercial Stall to market the various products of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs and Theme Stall on 'Self Reliant India' that explains the livelihood activities and development activities of Kudumbashree are set up at the Kerala Pavilion in connection with the IITF. Also two stalls of Kudumbashree catering units are set up at the Food Court. The selected products of entrepreneurs from Wayanad, Kottayam, Idukki and Kozhikode are for sale at the IITF Commercial Stall. At the food fest, Kalyani Catering unit from Thrissur district and Annapurna Catering Unit from Malappuram district are also participating.

Vishnumaya Handloom, Supriya Foods from Palakkad district, Malleshwara Producer Mill from Attappady of Palakkad district are participating in Saras Mela. Also, Lakshmi Spices and Pickles from Idukki district, Sneha Clay Pottery unit from Malappuram district and Queens Bakery unit from Thrissur district are also taking part in the programme. Kudumbashree has been participating in IITF since 2002. Kudumbashree had bagged for the Best Stall, several times. The Kudumbashree units which participated in the IITF 2019 were able to make a sales of Rs 22 lakhs.

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Kudumbashree opens 10 stalls at Indian International Trade Fair 2021- Saras Mela 2021 being held at Delhi