A century in service

The Women’s Association that is in its centenary year has been a pioneer in bringing women to the forefront of society

Kochi / Kerala, 05/02/19. (Metro Plus)Old photograph at Ernakulam Women's Association Hall. Photo:H.Vibhu/The Hindu.

In an atmosphere surcharged with dreams of political freedom, of the need for women to come out and play a bigger role in society, was born the Ernakulam Women’s Association, in March 1918.

What exactly led to its formation and what transpired in the closed-door meeting between five learned men—TK Krishna Menon, Ambady Sankara Menon, Justice Pallathil Narayana Menon, PS Narayana Iyer and Marayil Krishna Menon—in a room of the Ernakulam Public Library is not clearly known, but the discussion led to the founding of Stree Samajam or Ernakulam Women’s Association. The distinctive organisation on Diwan’s Road turns 100 and is celebrating its centenary at Kerala Fine Arts Hall. Distinguished speakers will grace the occasion that will conclude with a cultural programme today.

Parukutty Nethyar Amma, who was awarded

Kochi / Kerala, 05/02/19. (Metro Plus) Ernakulam Women's Association Hall. Photo:H.Vibhu/The Hindu.

the Kaiser-i-Hind Medal by King George V in 1919 for public work, and came to be known as Lady Rama Varma of Cochin was its founder and Lakshmikutty Nethyar Amma was its first president. Ambady Kathiyani Amma, the first graduate of the State was an early secretary of the body.

Local historian VN Vengugopal says that the founding women met at Rudra Vilasam school and declared the formation of the association.

“This was probably the first exclusive women’s as

Kochi / Kerala, 05/02/19. (Metro Plus) A primary school at Ernakulam Women's Association Hall. Photo:H.Vibhu/The Hindu.

sociation in Kerala. Quite strangely, it was initiated by men, who were all advocates of women empowerment as early as in the 1920s. The body played an important role in the World War II years by donating socks, mufflers and knitwear to soldiers. Later they became more active in Kochi’s social circle, by caring for women and children of the underprivileged and by moulding their character,” he says.

“Even before the concept of a pre-school or nursery originated here, the association founded a nursery for the children from the weaker section of society. That was 65 years ago in 1

Kochi / Kerala, 05/02/19. (Metro Plus)Old photograph at Ernakulam Women's Association Hall. Photo:H.Vibhu/The Hindu.

954. The kindergarten continues to run and is the only government-aided KG school in Kerala,” says Sreekumari Menon, president of Women’s Association.

The first structural change to the existing building was in 1948, and the new building was inaugurated by Lady Edwina Mountbatten. The same year saw the establishment of a library for women. The library has expanded to stock more than 23,000 books and is now open to the public.

After surveying the current requirements of the society, the association in 1990 founded a Special school Shraddha with five students. It has more than 45 children and young adults on its rolls now.

The association addresses new age problems facing women, like cyber crime through social media and holding motivational talks for students. During the recent floods that affected the State, it helped many afflicted families.

It holds activities regularly as part of its aim to contribute socially. A ‘Books and Bite’ evening every two months is a discussion, which is popular and well-attended.

Its outreach welfare programmes are in hospitals, with old age homes and orphanages. From providing medicines, holding eye camps to conducting blood donation events and such, it offers care and hope.

Off beat activity

In 2018, as part of centenary activities, 30 house maids were taken on a joy ride by flight to Thiruvanathapuram. It was an experience of a lifetime for the women, some of whom had not even travelled by train.