Meet Kerala's first all-women security force

Kudumbashree is the poverty eradication and women empowerment programme implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of the Government of Kerala. Now Kudumbashree has made its foray into the security sector, forming an all-women security force.

Kannur (Kerala): Kudumbashree, one of the largest women-empowering projects in the country, has made its first foray into the security sector in Kerala. The woman security force programme is conducted in Payyannur Municipal Hall, Kannur and it was inaugurated by District collector TV Subhash on Thursday.

The security sector remains predominantly male-dominated, and Kudumbashree's entry into this section will act as a game-changer in a society where the crimes against women are on the rise.

Started as the poverty eradication and women empowerment programme, implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of the Government of Kerala, the group's security force will provide cover and partake in crowd management measure in and around the city.

This would further support the cause of self-employment and financial independence as far as the women are concerned. There are 28 women in the security team and were trained by Ramachandran, a retired army officer.

Their services will now be available in crowded management events in and around Payyannur. Their dress code will reportedly include a green dress with a black coat and a hat. MV Manjula is the captain and will lead the team. The event held at Payyanur was presided over by Municipal Councilor Advocate Sasivattakaval.