Women Empowerment to Tackle Infant Mortality: The Karthumbi Umbrellas Initiative
The story of the “Karthumbi Umbrellas” in Attapadi, Kerala, is a notable example of an innovative approach to addressing public health challenges and reducing infant mortality, which eventually received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his “Mann Ki Baat” radio program.
Background
Attapadi, a tribal taluk in the Palakkad district of Kerala, faced a crisis of multiple infant deaths between 2012 and 2015. Thampu, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the lives of the tribal population in Kerala, brought this issue into the public eye. Recognizing that the root cause of the crisis was malnutrition among mothers, Thampu launched an initiative called Karthumbi Umbrellas in 2014. This initiative focused on providing employment and financial security to mothers by producing and selling locally made umbrellas
The Problem
In Attapadi, infant mortality was a significant concern. Various factors, such as malnutrition, lack of prenatal and postnatal care, poor hygiene practices, and limited awareness about healthcare among the tribal population, exacerbated the problem.
The situation in Attapadi was dire, with the Kerala health department recording 31 infant deaths in 2013 alone. The state government reported 48 infant deaths between 2012 and 2015, while Thampu’s president, Rajendra Prasad, mentioned that mothers reported nearly 200 infant deaths during this period. A 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that the region recorded 136 neonatal and infant deaths between 2012 and 2021, highlighting widespread issues of anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies among the tribal population
The Initiative: Karthumbi Umbrellas
The initiative initially received support from the Peace Collective, an organization of Dubai-based Keralites, which helped secure a zero-interest loan from the Malayali migrant community in Dubai. In 2017, the initiative received a grant of Rs 17 lakh from the then Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, A.K. Balan.
Despite its success, the Karthumbi Umbrellas initiative faces limitations, with work only available from January to May, before the southwest monsoon sets in. The women earn Rs 30 per umbrella, and the initiative has so far reached women in 16 out of the 192 settlements in Attapadi. The need for expansion into other self-employment opportunities, such as making bags and clothes, is evident.
Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, the initiative’s coordinator, has been instrumental in its success. A mother of three teenagers from the Irula community in Nallasinga village, Lakshmi has been with Thampu since 2012 and has coordinated the production and distribution of the umbrellas. She notes that many women across Attapadi have expressed interest in joining the initiative, especially following the national recognition.
The Karthumbi Umbrellas initiative demonstrates the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing complex issues like infant mortality. By providing financial security and employment opportunities to mothers, Thampu has created a model that could be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. However, continued support and funding are essential for the initiative’s expansion and sustainability, ensuring that more women can benefit from such self-employment opportunities.
To combat this issue, an innovative public health campaign was launched, centered around the concept of “Karthumbi Umbrellas.” Here’s how the initiative worked:
- Symbolic Use of Umbrellas: The umbrella, named “Karthumbi,” was chosen as a symbol of protection and care. It represented the idea of safeguarding children from preventable health issues.
- Distribution of Umbrellas: Brightly coloured umbrellas were distributed to pregnant women and mothers of young children in the region. These umbrellas had health messages printed on them, focusing on maternal and child health.
- Awareness Campaigns: Health workers and volunteers used the umbrellas as tools to engage with the community. They conducted awareness sessions on topics such as the importance of nutrition, breastfeeding, immunization, hygiene, and regular health check-ups.
- Visibility and Engagement: The colourful umbrellas made health workers more visible in the community, making it easier for them to connect with families. This visibility also helped in creating a sense of trust and reliability.
- Community Involvement: The initiative encouraged community participation, involving local leaders and women’s groups. This helped in spreading the message more effectively and ensuring that health practices were adopted at a grassroots level.
Impact
The Karthumbi Umbrellas initiative had a significant positive impact on reducing infant mortality in Attapadi:
- Increased Awareness: The initiative raised awareness about maternal and child health among the tribal population.
- Improved Health Practices: There was an increase in healthy practices, such as better nutrition, regular health check-ups, and timely immunization.
- Reduced Infant Mortality: The region saw a decline in infant mortality rates because of improved healthcare practices and better access to information and services.
Recognition
The success of the Karthumbi Umbrellas initiative garnered national attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the effort during his “Mann Ki Baat” radio program, highlighting it as an exemplary model of community-driven public health intervention. He commended the use of a simple yet effective tool to bring about significant health improvements in a marginalized community.
Conclusion
The Karthumbi Umbrellas initiative in Attapadi is a testament to the power of innovative, culturally relevant public health strategies. By using umbrellas as a symbol of care and protection, the initiative successfully engaged the community, raised awareness, and reduced infant mortality, earning recognition and praise at the national level.
