South African state keen to replicate Kerala's Kudumbashree

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17: South Africa's Free State Province has shown a keen interest in Kerala's women self-help network 'Kudumbashree', which has empowered a number of women through its initiatives ranging from IT to pickle- making.

A Free State delegation led by Chief Minister Ace Magashule visited 'Kudumbashree' units on the outskirts here yesterday and said a similar programme would be launched in their state, according to the organisation's officials. The delegation held discussions with the state's Social Justice and Panchayats Minister M K Muneer, focusing on activities undertaken by the self-help network and how it has helped empower women, especially the lesser privileged.

A memorandum of understanding would be signed between the two states soon on sharing Kerala's experiences in women empowerment initiatives, Muneer said. Besides Magashule, the delegation, comprised Consul General of South African Embassy in Mumbai, Pule Malefane and two ministers and officials from Free State Province.

PTI