### Quick Summary
– The district’s first Kudumbashree Gender Brigade has been launched in Azhikode grama panchayat, Kerala, to involve women in disaster relief efforts.- Formed under the Kudumbashree district mission, Azhikode Community Advancement Society (CDS), and the Gender Resource Centre.- The brigade comprises women trained for rescue operations during disasters.
– Key responsibilities include rescue operations, emergency medical aid, psychological care, shifting people to relief camps, cleaning activities, and food distribution.- In its first phase, CDS members are part of the core team; later stages will encourage participation by interested neighborhood and auxiliary members.
– Panchayat president K. Ajeesh inaugurated the brigade at an event that featured psychologists conducting sessions on psychosocial care using art therapy during disasters.
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### Indian opinion Analysis
The introduction of kerala’s Kudumbashree Gender Brigade marks a forward-thinking approach toward inclusive disaster management strategies. By empowering women in critical roles such as rescue work and psychological aid during crises,it signals growing recognition of gender-specific contributions within community-level governance structures like grama panchayats.
This initiative’s phased scaling implies thoughtful planning by allowing experienced CDS members to form a foundation before expanding participation more broadly-a move likely aimed at ensuring functional preparedness from grassroots levels upward.
Psychosocial support training demonstrates an understanding of how mental health interventions can complement physical relief efforts after disasters-an area increasingly acknowledged as vital worldwide. other states could consider replicating similar programs that blend local governance participation with upskilling constituents for better resilience against calamities.
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