The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ‘Women’s Policy 2026’.
As a result, the Women’s Policy of 2009 was revised and updated to create a ‘new’ Kerala that stands behind its women. The new policy prioritizes women’s safety, labor rights and laws in line with changing times and also targets women in tribal and coastal areas.
The objective of this policy is to end all discrimination against women irrespective of caste, religion or gender and ensure their equal representation in all sectors of society. It also aims to ensure equal representation of women in the administration – in the legislation and various decision-making committees. It promises to ensure gender equity in education, work and health. It will support the democratization of family, educational and cultural spaces, public spaces and their gender-friendly.
Policy for the elderly
The Cabinet also approved the Kerala State Policy for the Elderly.
This policy aims to promote active and healthy aging to ensure the physical, emotional and social well-being of older people. It seeks to improve the mechanisms of integrated care with the support of local authorities, health workers and voluntary organizations.
It adopts a lifelong approach focusing on health, lifelong learning and developing skills for an engaging and creative period.
Ensuring financial and social security for the elderly; gender inclusivity and equality; strengthening links between generations to use the knowledge and experience of older people to guide and support younger generations; integration of differently equipped frameworks focusing on basic equipment and assistive technologies; and expansion of long-term and palliative care mechanisms; are some of the other policy objectives.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 20:19 IST