As Kerala begins a new political term following the 2026 Assembly elections, concerns regarding women’s representation and participation in public life continue to remain significant, with only 11 women elected to the Assembly.

According to Anu Maria Francis, despite welfare initiatives and support programmes introduced over the years, structural challenges continue to limit women’s economic participation and access to opportunities in the state.

The article highlights the need to remove restrictions that prevent women from working in certain sectors and night shifts, while also stressing the importance of expanding affordable childcare facilities to improve female workforce participation.

It further points to the need for strengthening Women Protection Officer systems, improving institutional accountability within women safety mechanisms, and adopting a more outcome-based approach to gender budgeting that focuses on real improvements in women’s economic independence and agency.