Kerala to announce new women's policy on March 8
Minister Bindhu Krishna stated the policy was developed after gathering input from various sectors as part of the Makalkoppam scheme.
The Kerala government will announce its new women's policy on March 8, International Women's Day, according to The Hindu. Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna announced this during the valedictory of Her Summit 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
The policy is being framed under the Makalkoppam scheme after collecting opinions from diverse sectors. Ms. Krishna noted that women face similar challenges globally and stated that the progress of women should not be treated as a favour.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman suggested that women should hold 50 per cent of seats in policy-making committees at both state and local levels. She also urged the judiciary to speed up the disposal of cases involving violence against women.
Ms. Osman recommended providing women with digital and AI literacy, alongside legal literacy. She also proposed forming collectives that include women leaders of local bodies regardless of their political parties.
A youth-Gen Z conclave involving college students and youth leaders will follow the policy framing to strengthen the work of jagratha samithis (vigilant committees). These committees will include representatives from local bodies, the police, lawyers, and the judiciary.
The summit included sessions on employment, financial empowerment, health, and cyber safety. Suggestions for the policy can be emailed to [email protected] and will be considered if received within two weeks.