Gender inclusivity: Kerala proposes initiatives to enhance women’s socioeconomic status

Thrissur: In a bid to ensure development that incorporates gender inclusiveness, a new set of women’s policies is being formulated. This will be an extension and reformed version of the Kerala government’s women’s policies from 1996, 2009, and 2015.

Regional discussions were held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode based on the draft prepared by the Gender Council of the Women and Child Development Department of the Kerala government. Following the Thrissur regional meeting, a final draft will be submitted to the state government on Kerala Piravi/Kerala Day (November 1).

Recommendations include capping expenditures on weddings, creating a regional database of women seeking jobs, making available registers comprising details of houses occupied by single or groups of elderly women at police stations and local self-government institutions, and establishing shelter homes. There is also a recommendation to study the rising ailments among women and take appropriate action.

Additional calls for effective government interventions include improving fertility treatments, addressing gaps in existing women protection laws, initiating stringent gender audits, and constituting committees comprising a significant number of legal scholars. It is also suggested that gender studies be made a compulsory part of school and college curriculums, with educational content emphasising financial independence.

Public recommendations are invited, and the draft policies are currently published on the website of the Women and Child Development Department.