IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ON WOMEN THROUGH KUDUMBASHREE UNITS

Objective: Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication mission implemented by the State of Kerala in India. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of Kudumbashree units in Kerala on women's development and empowerment. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the Kudumbashree initiative, a poverty eradication mission in Kerala, India. It operates as a neighbourhood-based self-help initiative, primarily focused on uplifting underprivileged sections of society, with a particular emphasis on women empowerment. Method: The study examines the development achieved by women through their participation in Kudumbashree units in Kerala. It assesses the socio-economic benefits gained by women, such as financial independence, acquisition of new skills, and expansion of knowledge and expertise in various business domains. Results and Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Kudumbashree units in Kerala have significantly empowered women. Women who participate in the Kudumbashree program experience socio-economic growth and contribute to higher levels of trust through their responsible engagement, participation, and active involvement. Implications of the Research: The research highlights the importance of initiatives like Kudumbashree in promoting women's development and empowerment. It emphasizes the socio-economic benefits that women gain through their participation and the positive impact on societal engagement and trust. Originality/Value


INTRODUCTION
Kudumbashree, the poverty eradication mission in Kerala, recognizes that social and economic progress are essential for overall development. The initiative is a neighborhood-based self-help program that specifically includes the underprivileged sections of society. One of the key principles of Kudumbashree is women's empowerment. It understands that empowering women is crucial for sustainable social progress. Women's empowerment is not seen as an individual endeavor but rather as a collective action that benefits the entire community. By empowering women economically, Kudumbashree enables them to contribute actively to society. Women's economic empowerment through Kudumbashree has several positive outcomes. It leads to improvements in home life, education, nutrition, and health of children. When women have economic independence and stability, they can provide better support to their families and ensure their well-being. This, in turn, contributes to the overall development of the community. The Kudumbashree NHG (Neighborhood Group) movement plays a significant role in promoting the social empowerment of underprivileged women. By providing economic opportunities, Kudumbashree grants its members the freedom to participate fully in society. Through their involvement in the program, women gain socio-economic benefits and actively engage in responsible and meaningful ways. This active involvement fosters a higher level of trust among community members and strengthens social cohesion. In summary, Kudumbashree's self-help initiative aims to empower underprivileged women by granting them economic freedom. By participating in the program, women experience socio-economic growth and contribute to the betterment of their families and communities. Kudumbashree's focus on women's empowerment principles and the active involvement of its members contribute to sustainable social progress and overall development.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of the progress made by women in Kerala as a result of their involvement in Kudumbashree units.

IMPORTANCE OF KUDUMBASHREE
Kudumbashree holds significant importance due to its focus on women and its multifaceted approach to fighting poverty. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of Kudumbashree: Women empowerment: Kudumbashree places a strong emphasis on empowering women. By providing them with opportunities to start small businesses and gain financial stability, the initiative enables women to break free from the cycle of poverty. Empowering women has a ripple effect on society, as they become agents of change and contribute to the overall development of their families and communities.
Poverty eradication: The core objective of Kudumbashree is to eradicate all forms of poverty within a specific timeframe. The program aims to address the various dimensions and symptoms of poverty through a combination of self-help initiatives and community involvement. By providing resources, services, and training, Kudumbashree equips individuals and families with the means to improve their economic condition and lead a dignified life.
Collaboration with Local Self Governments: Kudumbashree works in close partnership with Local Self Governments, ensuring that poverty eradication efforts are integrated into the local governance structure. This collaboration strengthens community participation and ownership, making the poverty eradication mission more sustainable and effective.
Business support and training: Kudumbashree offers a range of services to support its members in starting and sustaining small businesses. From assisting with the identification of viable business opportunities to providing training, marketing support, and access to microfinance, the initiative equips individuals with the necessary skills and resources to establish successful ventures. This support not only enhances their financial stability but also fosters entrepreneurship and economic growth at the grassroots level.
Skill development and knowledge sharing: Kudumbashree provides training on various project-related subjects, including business management, marketing, and technology. By imparting valuable skills and knowledge, the initiative empowers individuals to adapt to changing market trends, adopt innovative practices, and stay competitive. This focus on continuous learning ensures that Kudumbashree members are equipped to thrive in a dynamic economic environment.
Kudumbashree's importance lies in its commitment to women empowerment, its comprehensive approach to poverty eradication, collaboration with local governments, and provision of business support and training. By addressing the root causes of poverty and empowering women, Kudumbashree contributes to socio-economic development, community engagement, and sustainable progress.

Statement of the Problem
The problem statement focuses on the need to investigate and assess the impact of sustainable development initiatives on women through their participation in Kudumbashree units in Kerala. The study aims to examine the extent to which these initiatives have brought about positive changes and improvements in the lives of women. It also seeks to determine whether the impact achieved through Kudumbashree units can be considered justifiable in terms of the resources, efforts, and investments made. The study will explore various aspects related to sustainable development, such as economic empowerment, skill development, access to resources and opportunities, social inclusion, and overall well-being. It will analyze the specific benefits and outcomes experienced by women who have been involved in Kudumbashree units, considering factors such as financial stability, improved livelihoods, increased decision-making power, and enhanced social status.
Furthermore, the study will critically evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Kudumbashree units in achieving sustainable development goals for women. It will assess whether the resources and support provided through Kudumbashree are effectively utilized and whether the outcomes justify the investments made by the program, the government, and other stakeholders.
Overall, the study aims to provide insights into the impact of sustainable development initiatives through Kudumbashree units on women in Kerala, addressing the question of whether the efforts and outcomes can be considered justifiable. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the program's effectiveness and help inform future decision-making and policy development in the context of women's empowerment and poverty eradication in Kerala.

Need and Significance of the Study
Kudumbashree plays a crucial role in enhancing the financial stability of its members through the establishment of small businesses. The program offers a comprehensive range of services to support individuals at various stages of starting a business, starting from identifying and selecting suitable business opportunities to ensuring their self-sufficiency. These services include training on project-related subjects, sharing marketing expertise, keeping up with the latest methods and technology, and facilitating loan requests for micro-entrepreneurs.
It is important to note that current laws do not mandate women to engage in any specific research activities. However, it is essential to recognize that every step taken towards gender equality represents progress. Women possess a diverse range of capabilities and are capable of undertaking various tasks. The success of women in these endeavors depends on their motivation and mindset. It is crucial to understand that advancements in women's lives do not occur by chance; they are the result of intentional efforts to drive positive change. Kudumbashree is an inspiring example of such efforts, bringing about significant transformations in Kerala.
Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the reasons why women join Kudumbashree units in Kerala. Understanding the impact of the development achieved by women through their participation in Kudumbashree is a crucial endeavor. By analyzing these factors, we can gain insights into the positive outcomes of the program and its contributions to women's empowerment in Kerala.

Objective
• To assess the impact of the development achieved by women through their participation in Kudumbashree units in Kerala.

Hypothesis
• There is no difference on the development by the women through Kudumbashree units in Kerala Nair, S. (2018). "Women Empowerment through Kudumbashree: A Kerala Experience" is fundamental for understanding the practical applications and reactions to sustainable development initiatives like Kudumbashree. The review suggests a detailed exploration into how these schemes aid women's empowerment in Kerala. Rajan, A. (2020). "Evaluating Sustainable Development Goals Through Kudumbashree Units" presents a study mapping Kudumbashree's work into the broader context of Sustainable Development Goals. The review indicates that Rajan's study provides a detailed understanding of how local initiatives fit into the global sustainability framework.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Krishnan's "Kudumbashree and Women: A Study of Sustainable Development in Kerala" dives deeper into the direct consequences of Kudumbashree on women and their immediate environment. The review suggests that Krishnan's study discusses the justifiability of Kudumbashree's impacts.
In "The Social Impact of Kudumbashree on Women's Lives," Menon, S. (2022) and Mohan, R., & et al. (2022)explores the profound social changes brought by Kudumbashree to women's lives. The review states that Menon offers a multifaceted analysis, acknowledging both the positive and negative implications. Ramesh, B. (2021). "The Environmental Impact of Kudumbashree Initiatives" examines the environmental consequences of Kudumbashree's operations. The review highlights Ramesh's investigation into how sustainable development is incorporated into Kudumbashree's objectives. Kumar, M. (2020). "Kudumbashree: A Model for Sustainable Development and Women's Empowerment" assesses the model's capability to foster sustainable development alongside women's empowerment. The review suggests Kumar's work as an analysis of the interplay between women's empowerment and sustainable development. Das, A. (2019). "Economic Impacts of Kudumbashree Units on Women in Kerala" investigates the economic ramifications of Kudumbashree for women. The review points out that Das's study serves as a basis for understanding the economic reasoning behind these units. Nair, R. (2021). "Sustainable Development through Kudumbashree: A Critique" critically evaluates the narrative around sustainable development and Kudumbashree's impact on women. The review underscores Nair's questioning of the mainstream narrative. Patel, G. (2020). "Microfinance and Women's Empowerment: A Case Study of Kudumbashree" illuminates the interrelationships between microfinance, women's empowerment, and sustainable development. The review highlights the case study approach taken by Patel. Iyer, P. (2022). "The Role of Kudumbashree in Kerala's Sustainable Development Goals" details how Kudumbashree is helping Kerala reach its Sustainable Development Goals. The review underscores that Iyer's study encompasses direct and indirect impacts on women. Thomas, J. (2023) "Social Inclusion through Kudumbashree: A Sustainable Approach" investigates Kudumbashree's role in promoting social inclusion, particularly concerning women. The review explains that Thomas's study scrutinizes the interconnections between social inclusion and sustainable development. Reddy, M. (2022). "Gender, Development, and Sustainability: The Kudumbashree Approach" provides an analytical viewpoint on how gender, development, and sustainability intersect in the Kudumbashree model. The review implies that Reddy's work dissects this intersection. Pillai, R. (2021). "Evaluating the Impact of Kudumbashree Units: An Empirical Analysis" delivers empirical proof to assess Kudumbashree units' impact. The review emphasizes that Pillai's work is essential for an evidence-based assessment. Sharma, S. (2022). "Kudumbashree: A Review of Success and Challenges" offers a balanced assessment of Kudumbashree's achievements and challenges. The review indicates that Sharma's study provides the necessary context for understanding the initiative's impact on women and its justifiability. Joshi, D. (2023). "The Kudumbashree Model: Impact on Women and Sustainability" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Kudumbashree model's impact on women and sustainability. The review suggests that Joshi's study synthesizes multiple perspectives into a holistic understanding of the topic.

METHODOLOGY
The current study aims to assess the impact of development achieved by women through their participation in Kudumbashree units in Kerala. The research followed a scheduled routine to collect data from female Kudumbashree unit members in Kerala. The sample size for the study was 399 individuals. Stratified Sampling Technique was employed to gather information from the population. To measure the impact, the researcher developed a Likert scale ranging from one to five points. The scores provided by the female members of Kudumbashree units in Kerala were categorized into three groups based on Quartile values. Mean score values below 3.1 were classified as low impact, values between 3.1 and 3.5667 as moderate impact, and values above 3.5667 as strong impact. The analysis utilized the Karl Pearson Correlation and pairwise t-test to examine the data and establish relationships between variables. By employing these statistical methods, the study aims to provide concrete and understandable results regarding the impact of Kudumbashree units on women in Kerala. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the program's effectiveness in achieving development goals and inform further decision-making and policy development in the field of women's empowerment and poverty eradication. The table presents paired sample statistics on the development achieved by women through the Kudumbashree initiative in Kerala. The data compares the situation "Before" and "Now" on various dimensions of women's empowerment, including education, awareness of government schemes, knowledge of human rights, reaction to social evils, communication 8 This table 1.2 presents paired sample t-tests comparing the mean differences in various aspects of development achieved by women through the Kudumbashree initiative. The paired differences, standard deviation (Std. Deviation), standard error of the mean (Std. Error Mean), t-statistic (t), degrees of freedom (df), and two-tailed p-value (Sig. 2-tailed) are provided. Here are the inferences:

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Education & Literacy level among members: There is a mean difference of -0.5213, which signifies an increase in the post-intervention scores. The t-value of -11.731 and a p-value of 0.000 indicate a statistically significant difference, suggesting that the Kudumbashree initiative has significantly improved the education and literacy levels among the women.
Perception about various Health, family welfare and poverty eradication schemes of Govt.: The mean difference of -0.3108, t-value of -6.782, and a p-value of 0.000 indicate that the Kudumbashree initiative has significantly improved the women's perception about various government schemes related to health, family welfare, and poverty eradication.
Awareness about human rights and other laws: The mean difference of -0.5213, t-value of -8.829, and a p-value of 0.000 suggest a significant increase in the women's awareness about human rights and other laws after participating in the Kudumbashree initiative.
Response against social evils like alcoholism, child marriage, etc.: The mean difference of -0.4511, t-value of -7.215, and a p-value of 0.000 suggest that the women's responses against social evils like alcoholism and child marriage have significantly improved following the Kudumbashree initiative.
Communication skill and inter personal skill: With a mean difference of -0.8296, t-value of -12.943, and a p-value of 0.000, there's a significant increase in the women's communication and interpersonal skills following the Kudumbashree initiative.
Entrepreneurial skill/Confidence: The mean difference of -0.3584, t-value of -5.544, and a p-value of 0.000 indicate a significant increase in the entrepreneurial skills and confidence among women after participating in the Kudumbashree initiative.
In conclusion, the results suggest that the Kudumbashree initiative has significantly improved various aspects of women's empowerment, including education, awareness of government schemes, knowledge of human rights, response to social evils, communication skills, and entrepreneurial confidence."

Findings of the Study
The study discusses the impact of the Kudumbashree initiative on women's development and empowerment in Kerala, India. Here are the key findings: Education and Literacy Level: The study found a significant improvement in the education and literacy level among women who participated in Kudumbashree units. The mean score increased from 3.11 before joining Kudumbashree to 3.632 after participation, indicating a positive impact on education and literacy.
Perception about Health, Family Welfare, and Poverty Eradication Schemes: There was a notable improvement in women's perception about various government schemes related to health, family welfare, and poverty eradication. The mean score increased from 3.133 to 3.444, suggesting a positive impact on awareness and understanding of these schemes.
Awareness about Human Rights and Laws: Women's awareness about human rights and laws also showed improvement through participation in Kudumbashree units. The mean score increased from 2.975 to 3.496, indicating a positive impact on knowledge and awareness of legal rights.
Response against Social Evils: The study found no significant difference in women's response against social evils like alcoholism and child marriage before and after joining Kudumbashree units.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
There was a significant improvement in women's communication and interpersonal skills after participating in Kudumbashree. The mean score increased from 2.42 to 3.248, suggesting a positive impact on these skills.
Entrepreneurial Skills and Confidence: There was no significant difference in women's entrepreneurial skills and confidence before and after joining Kudumbashree units.
The findings indicate that women who participated in Kudumbashree experienced positive development in education, perception about government schemes, awareness of human rights and laws, communication and interpersonal skills. However, there was no significant improvement in response against social evils and entrepreneurial skills/confidence. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the Kudumbashree initiative in promoting women's development and empowerment in Kerala.

Suggestions and Recommendations
Strengthen Training Programs: Kudumbashree should continue to enhance its training programs to provide members with up-to-date skills and knowledge in areas such as business management, marketing, and technology. This will ensure that women are well-prepared to adapt to changing market trends and sustain their businesses in the long run.
Expand Access to Resources: Kudumbashree should explore ways to increase access to resources such as microfinance and technology for its members. This can be achieved through partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies, as well as by leveraging technology platforms for easier access to information and financial services.
Promote Networking and Collaboration: Facilitating networking opportunities and collaboration among Kudumbashree members can lead to sharing of experiences, best practices, and business opportunities. Creating platforms for members to connect and support each other can further enhance their entrepreneurial journey and foster a sense of community.
Address Social Issues: While the study mentioned a relatively lower impact in addressing social issues like alcoholism and child marriage, Kudumbashree can collaborate with other organizations and government agencies to implement targeted initiatives that specifically address these issues. This may involve awareness campaigns, counseling services, and support systems to combat social evils effectively.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: It is important for Kudumbashree to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs. Regular assessments should be conducted to measure the impact on women's development, financial stability, and overall well-being. This will help identify areas for improvement and ensure the program's continued success.
Policy and Advocacy: Kudumbashree can play an active role in advocating for policies and initiatives that support women's empowerment and poverty eradication. By collaborating with government agencies and stakeholders, Kudumbashree can influence policy decisions and ensure a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Replication and Scaling:Kudumbashree's successful model can be replicated and scaled in other regions and states in India. By sharing its experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, Kudumbashree can inspire and guide the establishment of similar initiatives elsewhere, thereby contributing to women's empowerment and poverty eradication on a broader scale.
Long-term Sustainability: Kudumbashree should focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of its initiatives by fostering financial independence among its members. This can be achieved through continued business support, mentorship programs, and access to markets. Additionally, diversifying income sources and exploring new business opportunities can help members withstand economic challenges and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

CONCLUSION
The article discusses the Kudumbashree initiative in Kerala, India, which is a neighborhood-based self-help program aimed at uplifting underprivileged sections of society, particularly women, through poverty eradication. The primary objective of Kudumbashree is to improve the financial stability of its members by supporting them in starting small businesses. The initiative provides various services throughout the business establishment process, including business identification, guidance, and support.
One of the key aspects of Kudumbashree is its focus on women empowerment. By empowering women economically, Kudumbashree enables them to contribute actively to society and experience socio-economic benefits. Through their participation in the program, women gain financial independence, acquire new skills, and expand their knowledge and expertise in various business domains.
The importance of Kudumbashree lies in its emphasis on women empowerment, its comprehensive approach to poverty eradication, collaboration with local self-governments, and provision of business support and training. The initiative aims to address the root causes of poverty and equip individuals with the means to improve their economic conditions and lead dignified lives.
The study mentioned in the article aims to assess the impact of the development achieved by women through their participation in Kudumbashree units in Kerala. It explores various aspects such as economic empowerment, skill development, access to resources and opportunities, social inclusion, and overall well-being. The research methodology involves collecting data from female Kudumbashree unit members in Kerala and analyzing the results using statistical methods such as the Karl Pearson Correlation and pairwise t-test.The study focuses on the impact of sustainable development on women through Kudumbashree units, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other women empowerment programs or initiatives.The study may face limitations related to the sample size may be limited due to logistical or resource constraints, which could affect the generalizability and statistical power of the study.
Future research could conduct a comparative analysis of different women empowerment programs, including those similar to Kudumbashree units, to examine their effectiveness in promoting sustainable development and women's empowerment. Conducting a longitudinal study to track the long-term impact of sustainable development through Kudumbashree units on women's empowerment would provide a deeper understanding of the sustained effects. Such research could follow women participants over an extended period, assessing their empowerment outcomes, socioeconomic status, and quality of life.