Empowering Women through Local Governance: An Exploration of Impact of Kudumbashree on Women Representation

This study explores the impact of Kudumbashree, an innovative programme aimed at poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women in Kerala, especially on the representation of women in local governance. Kudumbashree has played a pivotal role in enabling women to navigate and overcome traditional gender limitations by fostering participation in self-help groups, micro-enterprises, and governance systems by prioritizing collective action, community involvement, and leadership development. The programme has developed the confidence among women, allowing them to advocate for their rights and shape policy outcomes firmly. This study highlights the critical role of supportive governmental persistent advocacy in securing the sustainability of political empowerment of women in Kerala. The Kudumbashree programme represent an effective strategy for integrating economic development with political empowerment highlighting the transformative capacity of grassroots movements in fostering inclusive governance.