Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday, 2 November 2026, announced a proposed special legislation to protect women from cyber attacks and online humiliation, unveiling a sweeping new women's policy in Thiruvananthapuram that spans safety, economic empowerment, and equal participation in governance. The announcement came during the inauguration of the two-day Her Summit 2026, a national summit titled 'New Era Women's Policy Her Summit 2026', organised by the Women and Child Development Department under its 'With My Daughter' initiative.

The Proposed Cyber Law and Safety Framework

Chief Minister Satheesan said the government would implement the policy 'without compromise', with protections extending to violence, harassment, and humiliation at home, workplaces, and public spaces. He stressed the need for strict action against those who weaponise social media to target and humiliate women, adding that 'ordinary women should not be left helpless in the face of online abuse.' The proposed cyber law, once enacted, would be among the few state-level legislative frameworks in India specifically addressing digital violence against women.

The policy is being prepared through extensive consultations with women and people across different walks of life, and Satheesan expressed the government's ambition to make it a model for other states.

Economic Independence as a Core Pillar

The Chief Minister said the government would launch major programmes this year to advance women's financial independence. Authorities plan to identify region-specific products and services that women can develop and take to market, with the government providing marketing support and bringing in knowledge partners. Satheesan also said that financial constraints would not be permitted to delay these programmes.

Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna added that the policy would actively support women entrepreneurs through both financial and technical assistance, and would open better opportunities in the green economy and emerging employment sectors.

Governance, Education, and Health Dimensions

Minister Bindu Krishna said the policy goes beyond existing welfare measures, seeking to give women a greater role in policy-making, budget decisions, and governance at all levels — not just in local body institutions. She said gender equality and awareness of rights would be integrated into education, while special attention would be given to adolescent health, menstrual health, mental health, and postpartum depression.

Creating safe public spaces and workplaces would be a priority, with the minister stating that 'women must be able to move freely and work with dignity without fear.'

Democratic Consultation Before Finalisation

Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Communities K.A. Thulasi said Kerala's seven-decade progress had been shaped by collective discussion and democratic decisions, and the same approach would guide the women's policy. Views are being gathered from homemakers, working women, entrepreneurs, elected representatives, and all sections of society — including young girls and men — before the policy is finalised.

Minister Bindu Krishna emphasised that the aim was to prepare the policy through democratic consultation 'rather than impose decisions from above.' The final policy, once adopted, could set a benchmark for gender legislation across India.