Members of Amrita SREE self-help groups are taking big steps forward in terms of empowering women overall, said Thomas Chazhikadan. He is the MP for Kottayam (United Democratic Front) and addressed the gathering of 10,000 women in Vaikom, Ernakulam.
At this year’s annual meeting for the region, Chazhikadan added that by giving these women economic independence and the self-confidence that instills, all of society will gain the benefits.
CK Asha, Kerala MLA for Vaikom constituency (Communist Party of India), also addressed the gathering. She said that watching these women find the means to independently earn a living is a transformative change from their traditional roles of housewives. Working as collectives in the form of SHGs to support self-employment is the key.
During the event, Swamini Nishthamrita Prana delivered the blessing speech. Vaikom Municipality Vice Chairman PT Subhash, Mahilamorcha Leader Adv OM Shaleena, and Amrita SREE Coordinator R Ranganathan also spoke.
The aid distributed to Amrita SREE members included food, clothing, financial support and grain supplies for each member. In addition, each SHG with 20 members received working capital.
