Launched in 1998, the Kudumbashree Movement—which means “prosperity of the family” in Malayalam—has grown into one of the largest and most effective women’s empowerment and poverty eradication programs in the world.

With a population of about 35 million, Kerala is home to roughly 17 million women—and more than 4.5 million of them are part of Kudumbashree’s vast network of self-help groups.

Through this grassroots movement, women have come together to gain financial independence, start small businesses, take leadership roles in their communities, and challenge long-standing barriers to equality.

What began as a basic policy initiative has evolved into a people-powered transformation that continues to reshape Kerala’s social and economic landscape from the ground up.