Kudumbashree NHGs had been active in spreading the awareness on fighting back the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining personal hygiene. The message of 'Break the Chain' Campaign of the health Department of Kerala was discussed among the NHG meetings held across the state last week. Through Kudumbashree, the message of the 'Break the Chain' Campaign of Health Department was therefore spread to the 44 lakh families in Kerala. A detailed note was given to every NHGs to discuss and spread the message of the importance of 'Break the Chain' Campaign. The aim was to spread awareness about the precautions to be taken by each families to stay safe from the spread of the corona virus disease.

Instructions had been given to the NHGs to start the NHG meetings only after washing the hands. The need and importance of washing hands using soap or sanitizers therefore reached to the NHG members and their families through this. Based on the instructions developed by the Health Department, note highlighting duty of each member and general awareness about corona virus disease was given to the NHGs and they had been directed to discuss the same. As it was noted that mortality due to corona is relatively high for elderly people and those people who are sick, the note for the NHGs included guidelines for Kudumbashree NHGs about the actions to be taken by the elderly and sick people. Elaborate instructions were given for those who are in quarantine. Also, general instructions for NHG about extending support to the quarantined families was also mentioned in the note. Precautions to be taken by the families to stay safe from the infection of this disease, actions that may be taken by NHGs to ensure the public health as per the instructions from the district administration and Health Department were discussed in all NHGs during the weekly meetings.Through this Kudumbashree aimed to ensure that there’s adequate precaution and that there is no panic.

As lock-down was notified in Kerala foreseeing the strong possibility of a wide spread outbreak of Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) from 24 March 2020, Kudumbashree started identifying new ways to get the awareness reach out to maximum public as public gatherings are restricted in the state. Various ways were identified by the respective districts. The services of the community counsellors were ensured. Regular communication with the people in quarantaine, tele counselling throigh Snehitha Gender Help Desk, spreading awareness among the tribal hamlets, distributing immunity boosters (homoeopathy), spreading notes on awareness to fightback the COVID-19 pandemic among the CDSs, setting up volunteer team for emergency services, making posters to spread the awareness etc were few of the new activities identified by the district teams to make the public aware of the ways to fight back the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining social distancing. Kudumbashree is focusing more on whatsapp groups to reach out to the information to the NHGs now. Through Kudumbashree's outreach programmes, the messages are reaching to grass root level and Kudumbashree is trying to give leadership to fight back this corona virus disease and address the anxieties of the society.

In addition to the production and supply of the cotton masks, Kudumbashree units are also engaged in the production of the hand sanitizers. Though in small quantities, sanitizers are also produced under the leadership of Kudumbashree units and are distributed as per the order. As the availability of sanitizers became short in the market, the soap and lotion making units started making sanitizers.A total of 21 units across the state were engaged in producing sanitizers. As of now, sanitizers are produced by Kudumbashree units in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. The entrepreneurs with drug licence were producing sanitizers and were selling them in the market. Those units manufacturing sanitizers using the spirit received from the Government distribute the manufactured product free of cost (not for sale). Kudumbashree units started to produce sanitizers in small quantities to address the shortage of the sanitizers.

The details regarding the production of sanitizers by Kudumbashree units across the state are as follows:

Ten lakh cotton masks are being produced by Kudumbashree tailoring units in the midst of the lock-down notified in Kerala foreseeing the strong possibility of a wide spread outbreak of Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19).The establishments involved in the production and supply of equipment required to contain COVID-19 including masks, sanitizers, drugs, personal protective equipments (PPE) etc were excluded from the restrictions. Kudumbashree is having many small and medium tailoring units functioning across the 14 districts in Kerala. Out of these units, 360 units have already started the process of making cotton masks. Kudumbashree units started making cotton masks, as the availability of the masks became too short. Masks are prepared as per the orders received from health department and other governmental and non-governmental departments. Kudumbashree started getting more orders as the information of Kudumbashree units making masks began to spread. Kudumbashree units across the districts have prepared 8,30,423 masks until now and the process is ongoing.

The total production capacity of all the Kudumbashree units put together is approximately 1,30,000 masks per day. Instructions were already given to stitch cotton masks as per the orders received, based on the production capacity of the respective districts when the COVID cases started reporting in Kerala. The units of Kudumbashree then started the process of procuring cloths after receipt of orders and they started production. The process took a couple of days to streamline. The activities are progressing to complete the received orders with utmost quality and to hand over the same on time. The price of the cotton mask is fixed as per the cloth used and the quality. As the need for cotton masks began increasing, directions had been given to the respective District Mission Coordinators to increase the production capacity by increasing the working time and by engaging more units. The orders obtained at the districts are being received and masks are being stitched under the supervision of respective District Mission Co-ordinators of Kudumbashree.

The details of the masks being produced in different districts are as follows:

Kozhikode Corporation Kudumbashree launches 'Fresh Mask'. As Covid 19 was confirmed in Kerala, and the availability of masks became scarce, Kozhikode Corporation Kudumbashree acted on time and started making masks. So, the officials engaged in health activities and the health workers will get the required number masks. The Fresh Mask was launched by Shri. Thottathil Raveendran, Mayor, Kozhikode Corporation on 17 March 2020.

The masks are prepared by the 94 units, who have been registered as a micro enterprise named 'Fresh Bags' in Kozhikode Corporation, engaged in making cloth bags. 706 Kudumbashree members are working in those 94 units. The Fresh Mask is made in 6x4 inch size using surgical cloth. These units itself are capable of making 35,000 masks a day. Kudumbashree aims at making available these masks in the market at Rs 7 per unit. In the first day itself, 3500 masks were ready. As per the request of the District Administration, 20,000 masks would be produced and be handed over to the district administration.

As the need of the masks increased, the 'Fresh Bags' unit temporarily stopped the production of the cloth bags and started making cloth masks. Shri. Binu Francis, Secretary, Kozhikode Corporation, Shri. Prakashan T.K, Kudumbashree Project Officer, Smt. O. Rejitha, Chairperson, Smt. N. Jayaseela, Chairperson, Smt. T.K. Geetha, Chairperson, Shri. Jaison T.J, Manager, NULM were also present at the launch.

Through Kudumbashree, the message of the 'Break the Chain' Campaign of Health Department is being spread to the 44 lakh families. There are 2,99,297 Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups in Kerala. Each NHG has 10 to 20 members. We have given a detailed note to every Kudumbashree NHGs to discuss and spread the message of the importance of 'Break the Chain' Campaign. The aim is to spread awareness about the precautions to be taken by each families to stay safe from the spread of the corona virus disease. By discussing this message in the NHG meetings, we hope that we would be able to give leadership to fight back this corona virus disease and address the anxieties of the society.

Instructions has been given to start the NHG meetings only after washing the hands. The need and importance of washing hands using soap or sanitizers will reach to the NHG members and their families through this. Based on the instructions developed by the Health Department, note highlighting duty of each member and general awareness about corona virus disease is given to the NHGs and they have been directed to discuss the same. It is noted that mortality due to corona is relatively high for elderly people and those people who are sick. The note for the NHGs includes guidelines for Kudumbashree NHGs about the actions to be taken by the elderly and sick people. Elaborate instructions were given for those who are in quarantine. Also, general instructions for NHG about extending support to the quarantined families is mentioned in the note.

Precautions to be taken by the families to stay safe from the infection of this disease, actions that may be taken by NHGs to ensure the public health as per the instructions from the district administration and Health Department will be discussed in all NHG s during the weekly meetings. The aim is to ensure that there’s adequate precaution and that there is no panic. Kudumbashree expects the active participation of the NHG members in 'Break the Chain' campaign and hope that through Kudumbashree's outreach program, the message will reach up to the grass root level. By reaching out to 44 lakh families in the state, Kudumbashree Mission would be able to give awareness about corona virus disease to the society.

Kudumbashree's tailoring units have started making cotton masks to help the public fight back corona virus. Kudumbashree have as many small and medium tailoring units functioning across the 14 districts in Kerala. Out of these units, 268 tailoring units have started the process of making cotton masks. Masks are being prepared as per the orders received from health department and the stitching of the same had already been started. The total production capacity of all the units put together is approximately 1,30,000 masks per day. Instructions were given to stitch cotton masks as per the orders received, based on the production capacity of the respective districts. Now, Kudumbashree units have received the order for making cloth (cotton) masks for Health Department of Kerala. The orders obtained at the districts are being received and masks are being stitched under the supervision of respective District Mission Co-ordinators of Kudumbashree.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, Kudumbashree received the order for producing 50,000 cotton masks from Health Department of Kerala. Order for 20,000 cotton masks had been received from Idukki district as well. The units have started the process of procuring clothes after receipt of orders and they have started production. The process will take a couple of days to streamline. Once the initial coordination would be achieved, the process of receiving orders and delivering the masks will streamlined.The present production capacity of these units is 1.30 lakh masks per day. The activities are progressing to complete the received orders with utmost quality and to hand over the same on time. The price of the cotton mask is fixed as per the cloth used and the quality. Kudumbashree have started getting more orders in districts as the information of Kudumbashree units making masks began to spread. Directions had been given to the respective District Mission Coordinators to increase the production capacity by increasing the working time and by engaging more units. These women are making efforts to fight back the spread of corona virus disease.

As a novel way of celebrating International Women's Day, Kudumbashree members organised NHG meetings at night on 7 March 2020. This ‘night meetings’ brought an opportunity for women to own those public places and spaces which they are denied at night. By owning the public spaces at nights, Kudumbashree members made a new proclamation that all these opportunities are their rights.

There are 3 lakh NHGs in Kerala with 43 lakh women as members. Usually they conduct their NHG meetings on Saturdays or Sundays of every week at the residence of one of the NHG member. As part of the Women's Day Celebrations, it was suggested to conduct NHG meetings on 7 March 2020 any time after 7 PM. And those who could not conduct on that day, meetings were held on 8 March 2020. Most of the NHGs had organised such NHG meetings on 7 March 2020 and converted the Women's Day Celebration as an entirely different experience.

The theme of our NHGs ‘night meeting’ was ‘My Opportunity My Right'. A circular was also given to all NHG s with three points to discuss and think during NHG meetings at night. The three concepts given in the circular were as follows.

“1. Let us think and work for securing new opportunities realizing that the opportunities of women are their rights.

2. In addition to all the activities we did until now, let us decide today to become the harbingers of change.

3. Through the fraternity of women and through new opportunities, let us work hard for equality and development. "

These points were read out and were discussed in the NHG meetings with great enthusiasm and strength. Prior to the night NHG meetings, Kudumbashree members had set up 'My Opportunity is my Right'-Kudumbashree Flags proclaiming women rights all across the state.

'My Opportunity is my Right' - This was the slogan for the Women's Day Celebrations of Kudumbashree, this year. As part of the Women's Day Celebrations, the NHGs were directed to make ‘Flags' highlighting slogans about women’s rights and fix it in the public places without causing an inconvenience to the public. The aim was to pass on the message- 'My opportunity My Right' to the society. The NHGs were asked to get an old white cloth, write slogans of Women's Day, make flags and fix it in different places of their locality. NHGs had wholeheartedly welcomed that idea and they made maximum efforts to make aware the need of becoming empowered by identifying more opportunities.

Respective District Missions had organised various programmes in their districts and the International Women's Day was celebrated in its real sense paving way for fruitful discussions.

Janakeeya Hotel was opened in Alappuzha district of Kerala and Hunger Free Canteen was opened in Kunnamkulam of Thrissur. The first of its kind Janakeeya Hotel has been opened in Mannancherry of Alappuzha district of Kerala. Government of Kerala had mentioned about starting a total of 1000 hunger free hotels would be opened which would serve lunch at Rs 25 per meal under the aegis of Kudumbashree Mission, during the Kerala Budget 2020-21.The Janakeeya Hotel at Alappuzha was inaugurated by Dr. T. M. Thomas Issac, Finance Minister, Government of Kerala on 29 February 2020. Those without money may also have food from here by making use of the 'Share Meals' coupon available at the counter. Those who wish to sponsor may buy the Share Meals coupon as well. The Hotel will serve specials as well. The Janakeeya Hotel is located near the Private Bus Stand, Mannancherry, Alappuzha and it functions at the 2 room building of Mannancherry Panchayath. The Janakeeya Hotel may occupy 36 people at a time. Two Kudumbahsree women had been entrusted with the task of serving the food at the Janakeeya Hotel opened at Mannancherry. They are Smt. Thanuja and Smt. Vijayalakshmi.

Meanwhile, Hunger Free Canteen was opened in the Kunnamkulam of Thrissur district. The Hunger Free Canteen was inaugurated by Shri. P. Thilothaman, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Kerala on 28 February 2020. Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala presided over the function. The Canteen would serve lunch to 500 people between 12.30 PM and 2.30 PM at Rs 20 per meals. Civil Supplies would give Rs 5 as subsidy for the food of Rs 20. The canteen is run by including in the Vanitha Ghataka Padhathi through Kudumbashree.

Kudumbashree Bazaar, the third of its kind supermarket for exclusively selling the products of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs in the state had been launched in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the Kudumbashree Bazar at Ernakulam on 28 February 2020. The

Supermarket is opened at Kolenchery of Aikkaranadu Panchayath in Vadavukodu Puthenkurishu block and is situated in 1350 sq ft area. 485 products of 102 micro entrepreneurs would be available for sale through this supermarket. A daily sales of Rs 30,000 is expected from the newly opened Kudumbashree Bazaar.

Two Kudumbashree Supermarkets were already opened in Wayanad and Pathanamthitta districts. The Supermarket opened in Kaniyambatta Panchayath of Wayanad district of Kerala is situated in 800 sq ft area. 256 products of 85 entrepreneurs are available for sale at this supermarket and they have a monthly sales of Rs 2 lakhs. The Kudumbashree Bazar opened in Thiruvalla Municipality of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, near By pass road, opposite to public stadium is functioning in the model of village souk. This Bazar, which is situated in 2000 sqft space has 7 shops of 100 sqft area and a food court. 110 products of 20 entrepreneurs are available for sale at this Supermarket. Rs 4 lakhs is the monthly sales recorded there.

Kudumbashree Bazaars envisages to bring to the market, more products of Kudumbashree under one umbrella. More such Kudumbashree Bazaars would be opened all across the state and would arrange better markets for the products of Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs through such permanent marketing outlets. Kudumbashree has also been making use of various marketing activities like trade fairs, nano markets at super markets, online portals, homeshops etc to market the products of Kudumbashree micro entrepreneurs.

Kudumbashree launched 'Veetiloru Kudumbashree Ulppannam' Campaign and would reach out to the households of Kerala on 15 March 2020. The poster of the campaign was launched by Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala by giving the same to Shri. S. Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree on 26 February 2020. As part of 'Veetiloru Kudumbashree Ulppannam' Campaign, the women entrepreneurs and CDS members would reach out to the households. The campaigns aims at making the products produced by the entrepreneurs working in the agro micro enterprises more popular and help them secure regional markets.

It is as part of observing this financial year as the 'Year of Livelihood' and the International Women's Day Celebrations, that the campaign is being launched under the leadership of Kudumbashree. The campaign envisages at introducing the products of Kduumbashree to each families and thereby increase its acceptability and market. On 15 March 2020, under the leadership of respective CDSs, Kudumbashree entrepreneurs, ADS representatives would reach out to every households with diverse products and would explain about the products they make and would also explain about the nano markets and other marketing outlets, where Kudumbashree products would be available. The general public would get an opportunity to buy ethnic products at nominal rates through this.The campaign would be supported by the respective District Mission Co-ordinators, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinators, District Programme Managers, Block Co-ordinators and CDS Chairpersons. It is expected that through this campaign, it would be able to find local markets for the products and by taking the products directly to the households, a permanent marketing activity would be opened.

'She Talk' programme would be organised on 7 March 2020 to felicitate the Best Entrepreneurs in the respective Districts and would arrange their experience sharing sessions as well. The micro entrepreneurs would be extended trainings on Business Development in various sectors. In addition to this, on 16 March 2020, nano markets would be set up in all Supermarkets, Shops an bakeries in each CDS, where Kudumbashree products would be available regularly.