Kozhikode: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan opened Kudumbashree Mahila Mall, described as the country's first of its kind, here on Saturday.
He said the all-women mall proved they could achieve anything if they are united. "From launching small-scale low-income initiatives the Kudumbashree women groups have scaled up to big business ventures," he said.
"This Mall is a message to the corporate sector that women are ready to undertake anything they monopolised. I am dedicating this initiative to the people with much pride."Hundreds of Kudumbasree workers and the public witnessed the inaugural ceremony, where a music band under Kudumbasree also performed.
Health minister K.K. Shailaja opened the family counselling centre while local governments minister A.C. Moideen inaugurated the Micro Bazaar, Kitchen Mart and Café Restaurant.
Transport minister A.K. Saseendran inaugurated the Kudumbasree chocolate and cake unit. Cine artist Surabhi Lakshmi launched the website of the Mahila Mall. Project officer M.V. Ramsy Ismayil, branding consultant Cheras Ravidas and architect P.N. Naseer received mementoes.
A venture of Unity Group under Kudumbasree, the mall has 36,000 square feet area, with 80 shops. Apart from business ventures, it also provides women entrepreneurs with space to showcase their talents in handicrafts, culinary and fashion designing, etc.
