KESS Intervention for Women

a) KESS as a Service Providing Centre (SPC)

KESS has been active as a Service Providing Centre since 2013, under the Social Welfare Board, for the protection for women against domestic violence. The number of atrocities against women and conflicting families are on the rise. Awareness classes and legal intervention through a legal advisor as an SPC has enabled KESS to reduce the intensity of ill treatment towards women.

b) Vadhumitra

The one year development project for the empowerment and enrichment of girls aged 16 and above, from the families of the KESS projects as well as the domestic workers of the ashrams, aimed to mould them into future 'kudumbinis', has successfully culminated during this period, with 110 of the beneficiaries stepping into marital bliss, assisted by our 'Vadhumitra' team, on a holistic basis. KESS organises get togethers of these young ladies for holistic transformation and life skill development through motivational sessions, life skill education, edutainment and outings. Financial assistance to promote savings in time for their marriage was also a part of this project.

c) Women's Day Observance

KESS observed International Women's Day, on March 8th this year. Upholding the theme of the year, PressforProgress, KESS brought together all its women beneficiaries and staff members, giving them an opportunity to feel empowered and strive to serve better, the world around them. Motivational sessions on Women's Rights & Family values enriched their thoughts and knowledge base. Their cultural performances made the day even more colourful

d) Honouring 'Sheroes'

30 women who braved all odds with their will power and determination, were honoured and hailed by KESS. Housewives and widows who were outcasts but now breadwinners, orphans and destitutes who have made a mark through sheer hard work, survivors of chronic illnesses like HIV/Cancer who motivate peersthese are just some of the women whom were recognized and applauded. The women's protection policy of KESS was also released on this occasion by Rev. Sr. Marriet CMC (Retd. Principal, St.Mary's College, Thrissur)

e) Self Help Groups (SHGs)

KESS has a number of SHGs which have benefitted many families to rise up from a lower economic strata mainly due to the availability of loans for different income generative start ups. The members have developed self esteem and economic development as entrepreneurs and skilled workers

f) Women Employment Units under the patronage of KESS

KESS initiated two legally independent charitable societies (formed and run under the Charitable Societies Act), to develop and empower the poor rural women by providing them employment opportunities. Today, 30 women are members of each unit, responsible breadwinners of their once desperate families. The units are Fr. Vynthala Vanitha Service Society [VVSS], Nadathara and Devamatha Vanitha Charitable Society [DVCS], Puthur.