Gender Resource Center
The Gender Resource Centre (GRC) is a specialized women's empowerment and gender justice centre functioning under the Ayyappankovil Kudumbashree CDS with the support of the Ayyappankovil Local Self-Government Institution. The GRC office operates two days a week adjacent to the Panchayat Hall.
The GRC undertakes various activities aimed at improving the status of women and enhancing their well-being. These include providing guidance, skill development, support services, training programmes, counselling services, and initiatives to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of women.
Awareness classes are regularly conducted at the ADS and CDS levels on issues such as substance abuse, dowry, domestic violence, and adolescent-related concerns. Gender Clubs have also been established at St. Mary's High School, Meerukulam, where students are provided with gender awareness and gender equality education.
The GRC conducts at least five visits per month to individuals experiencing loneliness, victims of violence, and elderly persons requiring support and care.
Mental health support and counselling services are provided to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, fear, and other psychological difficulties. Through individual and group counselling sessions, many people have benefited from the services of the GRC.
Cases of violence and domestic abuse reported to the GRC are referred to the Snehitha Help Desk. When necessary, legal aid, rehabilitation services, healthcare support, and de-addiction-related services are also facilitated.
To ensure timely intervention against gender discrimination and violence, one Neighbourhood Group Social Development Subcommittee member has been selected from each neighbourhood group in all 14 wards, resulting in a network of 180 Gender Point Persons. These members actively participate in gender justice initiatives and community interventions.
In addition, Vigilant Groups have been formed in each ward consisting of eight women volunteers and two men volunteers. These ward-level protection committees work to prevent violence against women. A total of 140 Vigilant Group members are functioning across the 14 wards. They have successfully reported and assisted in addressing numerous cases of domestic violence through the GRC.
The Snehitha Gender Resource Centre and the GRC jointly operate the “Calling Bell” programme for elderly persons and women who live alone and have no one to care for them. The Ayyappankovil GRC currently has 36 Calling Bell members.
Under the initiative “You Are Not Alone, We Are With You,” the centre maintains regular contact with members through direct visits and tele-counselling services, providing emotional support and care.
Management Committee
A Management Committee has been constituted to supervise and oversee the day-to-day functioning of the Gender Resource Centre.
Chairperson: President, Grama Panchayat
Convener: Chairperson, Kudumbashree CDS
Members: Ward Members, Assistant Coordinator, and Gender Resource Persons.