Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Gender advisory panel meets

Thiruvananthapuram: The Gender Advisory Committee set up by the government has decided to draw up norms for examining the programmes being implemented by various departments from the women’s point of view.

The Committee, which held its first meeting here today with Health and Social Welfare Minister P.K. Sreemathi in the chair, discussed the projects which were being implemented as part of women’s empowerment programme for which Rs.5 crore had been earmarked, and the finishing school scheme for which Rs.2 crore had been set apart in this year’s budget.

It wanted coordination in the schemes being implemented by agencies like the Social Welfare Department, Women’s Development Corporation, Women’s Commission, and the Kudumbasree.

The meeting called for special attention to schemes providing assistance to poor and sick women, tribals, and fish workers. It also discussed rehabilitation of unwed mother and social problems like dowry and drinking. It resolved to take the initiative in the social and gender auditing of all programmes for women being implemented by various departments before the next budget.

The Minister said that teams of women lawyers would be set up in all districts for providing free legal service to women. Protection officers and counsellors would be appointed at the block and taluk levels under the law for checking domestic violence.

The meeting was attended by K.K. Shailaja MLA, Planning Board member Mridul Eapen, Meenakshi Thampan, P.K. Sainaba, Saradamony, T.N. Seema, Shanimol Usman, T.K. Anandi, Ramani George, Social Welfare Director Usha Titus and Social Welfare Additional Secretary Rachel Chacko.

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