Kerala cabinet approves Women’s Policy 2026 for comprehensive gender justice
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, approved the revised Women’s Policy 2026 on Wednesday, updating the 2009 version to align with modern needs and foster a women-centric "Nava Kerala."
Formulated by an 11-member Gender Council led by the Women and Child Development Department, the policy prioritizes women's safety, labor rights, legal protections, and support for tribal and coastal communities. Health Minister Veena George highlighted its aim to eliminate discrimination across caste, religion, and gender, ensuring equal participation in society.
Key proposals include equal women's representation in governance, legislatures, and decision-making bodies, alongside gender justice in employment, education, and health. It seeks to create gender-friendly spaces in families, schools, culture, and public areas.
In education, a special gender protocol will guide institutions, with curriculum updates on equality, enhanced self-defense and sports for girls, creches, breastfeeding centers in higher education, and staff training for safer campuses.
The policy targets eradicating dowry within five years through innovative programs, skill-building in emerging technologies, women-friendly healthcare from primary centers to medical colleges, and tailored support for elderly women amid demographic shifts.
Special health and education packages will target Dalit, tribal, and coastal areas. Implementation will be overseen by a Chief Minister-headed gender state monitoring committee, with gender resource persons appointed in all government departments.
(Inputs from PTI)