Tue Oct 14 16:41:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Minister M.B. Rajesh has urged Kudumbashree women in Kerala to shift their focus from simple livelihood generation to establishing business enterprises that can create more employment and income. Speaking at a Kerala Women’s Commission event, he emphasized the progress made by women through Kudumbashree and the need for further increasing their labor force participation. Women’s Commission chairperson P. Satheedevi highlighted the commission’s role in women’s progress and the goal of empowering women for state development. Kudumbashree COO Naveen C. introduced potential sectors for women’s involvement, including K4Care, Home Shop, and community-based tourism. Entrepreneurs discussed challenges like securing loans, marketing, and training.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Minister Urges Kudumbashree Women to Embrace Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth**

**Thiruvananthapuram, October 14, 2025** – Kerala Minister for Local Self-government M.B. Rajesh has called on Kudumbashree women to transition from basic livelihood activities to establishing robust business enterprises capable of generating increased employment and income opportunities. The Minister made these remarks during a forum organized by the Kerala Women’s Commission aimed at exploring new avenues for Kudumbashree women and their auxiliary groups.

Minister Rajesh highlighted the significant strides made by women in Kerala society due to Kudumbashree’s interventions, emphasizing the need for adapting to evolving times. He also stressed the importance of elevating women’s participation in the labor force from the current 20% to 50%, advocating for paid employment over uncompensated household work.

Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson P. Satheedevi acknowledged the commission’s decades-long commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment. The forum served as a platform to identify and address challenges hindering women’s entry into various labor sectors, with a focus on leveraging their strengths for the overall development of the state.

Kudumbashree chief operating officer Naveen C. presented various sectors offering potential for women’s involvement, including K4Care, Home Shop, Premium Cafe, community-based tourism, school cafes, and deep cleaning. He also suggested opportunities for auxiliary groups such as tuition centers, dance schools, hardware repair, fitness centers, automobile workshops, and multi-task teams.

The event facilitated a direct interaction between Kudumbashree women entrepreneurs and Mr. Naveen, where concerns regarding access to loans, marketing support, project proposal finalization, training opportunities, and brand visibility were discussed. The session provided valuable insights for future strategies aimed at supporting women-led enterprises and fostering economic growth in Kerala.

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