Keralam to announce new women’s policy on March 8

Representational image.

Keralam Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna has said that the State government’s new women’s policy, framed after collecting suggestions and opinions from people belonging to diverse sectors, would be announced on March 8, International Women’s Day.

Ms. Krishna was speaking at the valedictory of Her Summit 2026, a two-day event organised by the Women and Child Development department for framing a new women’s policy for the State as part of the Makalkoppam scheme, here on Tuesday.

Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman, speaking at the event, said 50% reservation for women should be ensured in policy framing committees from the State level to the local body level.

Highlighting the delay, at times lasting decades, in disposing of cases involving violence against women, Ms. Osman called on the judiciary to expedite pending cases. Besides legal literacy, women should be provided with digital and AI literacy. Collectives should be formed by including women chiefs of local bodies, irrespective of political affiliations, she added.

Ms. Krishna said that problems faced by women were similar around the world. Progress of women in the State should not be a favour to them, and participation and support of all segments of society should be ensured for the cause of women and children, the Minister added.

A ‘youth-Gen Z conclave’ with the participation of college students and select youth leaders will be held as a follow-up to the framing of the women’s policy. This will help strengthen the functioning of ‘jagratha samithis’ (vigilant committees) on campuses and in society and pave the way for active participation of youth. The local jagratha samitis will be made more effective by including representatives of local bodies.

The police, lawyers, and the judiciary who play a critical role in preventing crimes against women and children would be included in the talks.

Suggestions on the women’s policy can be sent to makalkkoppam@gmail.com Those received within two weeks will be considered for framing the policy.

Discussions were held in five sessions on issues such as employment, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, political representation, leadership, development of marginalised sections, education, health, psychological welfare, women safety and laws, and cyber safety at the summit.

Jebi Mather, MP; Ramya Haridas, Vidya Balakrishnan, Usha Vijayan, MLAs; and Women and Child Development Special Secretary Sheeba George spoke.