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What Is Kudumbashree? Kerala's Women's Programme and Our Part in It

Learn all about Kudumbashree, one of the largest female-empowering projects, and why Holy Lama Naturals is a proud part of this movement and a Government backed women’s enterprise.

In short: Kudumbashree is a programme launched by the Government of Kerala in 1998 to reduce poverty through women's community groups, small loans and enterprise. The name means prosperity (shree) of the family (kudumbam). Holy Lama's factory in Kerala is a government recognised women's enterprise and part of this movement.

What is Kudumbashree?

Kudumbashree is the Kerala State Poverty Eradication Mission, set up by the Government of Kerala in 1998 and run with local governments. It works through neighbourhood groups of women and is built around three ideas: micro credit, enterprise and empowerment.

What does Kudumbashree mean?

In Malayalam, kudumbam means family and shree means prosperity, so the name means prosperity of the family.

How is Holy Lama part of Kudumbashree?

Our factory is a government recognised women's enterprise. We employ women from our local community, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, and some packing and stitching work is done by women from their own homes. More than 80% of our workforce is women.

What do the women at our factory make?

Our handmade soaps, made by hand at the factory and packed in shells moulded from fallen areca palm leaves, and our body care and Spice Drops. The coconut leaf pouches in our travel sets are woven by hand.

Can you visit?

If you are travelling in Kerala and would like to visit, get in touch through our Contact page.

Read more about who makes Holy Lama body care.

Frequently asked questions

When was Kudumbashree launched?

In 1998, by the Government of Kerala.

What does Kudumbashree mean?

Prosperity of the family.

Is Holy Lama part of Kudumbashree?

Yes. Our factory is a government recognised women's enterprise in Kerala.

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