Satheesan remarked that while vulgar graffiti on train and public toilet walls has largely disappeared, those who used to write it have now shifted to social media to target women.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Keralam government is evaluating legal frameworks to introduce a dedicated Act aimed at preventing insults and cyberattacks against women on social media, Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced here on Monday.
The Chief Minister noted that the move stems from the inadequacy of existing legislation to offer sufficient protection against online harassment following a Supreme Court ruling.
"The government is thinking of sending those who attack women on social media to prison by bringing in a special Act," Satheesan said.
He made the observations while inaugurating the two-day 'Puthuyuga Women's Policy -- HER Summit 2026', organised by the Women and Child Development Department as part of the state's 'Makaloppam' initiative.
Highlighting the scale of digital harassment, Satheesan remarked that ordinary women are most frequently targeted and insulted across social media platforms.
Taking a swipe at online abusers, the Chief Minister compared their behaviour to legacy public vandalism.
"Earlier, we used to see vulgar graffiti on the walls of train toilets and public toilets. We don't see such graffiti anymore, but those who used to write them are now using social media to target women," Satheesan said.
He emphasised that the state government aims to ensure complete protection for every woman against online insults and harassment.
Addressing the vulnerability of everyday citizens, he contrasted political figures with ordinary individuals who lack defensive platforms.
"But what can an ordinary woman, who does not know how to defend herself against such attacks, do? It is for them that we are planning this special Act," Satheesan said, adding that chief ministers, ministers, MLAs, and political leaders possess the means to defend themselves online.
The Chief Minister reiterated the administration's resolve to enforce a model women's policy without compromise to guarantee safety in public spaces, workplaces, and homes. He added that the policy is being drafted after gathering public feedback across diverse demographics to serve as a benchmark for other Indian states.
"Usually, governments formulate a policy and ask others to follow it. Here, we are seeking suggestions and opinions from all stakeholders, and the policy will be formulated by you. I assure you that the government will implement this policy with strong commitment," Satheesan said.
On economic empowerment, the Chief Minister announced that large-scale initiatives to support women in achieving financial self-reliance will roll out within the year. Under this framework, region-specific products and services will be identified and provided with marketing backing from the government alongside a designated knowledge partner.
He assured that these ambitious projects would not be stalled by financial constraints.
Furthermore, Satheesan revealed plans for a targeted economic initiative focused on Kudumbashree members.
"It is not a project designed for the entire state. Each area will have projects exclusively designed for that region," Satheesan said. (PTI)
Published: 02 Nov 2026, 09:07 pm IST
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