National
Women
Legislators'
Conference - KERALA, 2022

May 26, 27 & 28

conceived by Kerala Legislature Secretariat under

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Shri. Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble President of India

It is a proud moment that Kerala Legislative Assembly is organising ‘National Women Legislators’ Conference -2022’ on 26th & 27th May 2022 under the theme Power of Democracy in connection with the ongoing national festival ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Upholding the idea of gender equality this conference is centered around discussing women oriented issues. As such the conference is addressing the most inevitable matter of time – Empowerment of Women.

We are glad to say that this event has got unequivocal support from the Honourable President of India and he has agreed to inaugurate this two- day event. He has viewed that going through women oriented matters deserve greater appreciation especially in a place where the women are held high and viewed with great esteem. We hope that the Honourable President is pleased and contented for having taken up a matter that is the fulcrum for social change and that he is taking part in this event with high spirit .

Message from Hon’ble Speaker

Shri. M B Rajesh, Hon’ble Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly

Hon’ble Legislators of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils and Union Territories,

Warmest regards from the Kerala Legislative Assembly and hearty welcome to the National Women Legislators’ Conference, Kerala – 2022.

As you all are aware, India is celebrating 75 years of her independence in the month of August this year. As part of the nation-wide celebrations planned under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Kerala Legislative Assembly had also initiated celebratory programmes following the State Level inauguration of festivities by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan on 10th August, 2021.

Under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Kerala Legislative Assembly has devised a thematic concept ‘Power of Democracy ( PoD )’ under which we are striving to hold a National Women Legislators’ Conference in Kerala on May 2022 at the Legislature Complex Thiruvananthapuram. In this connection, I have already communicated with the Hon’ble Presiding Officers of both Houses of Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils and Union Territories with a request to nominate all women representatives from their respective legislative bodies to the National Conference.

The National Conference is designed to include four official sessions centered on women’s rights, gender equality, ample women’s representation in decision making bodies etc. apart from the inaugural and valedictory sessions and a field trip on the third day. All further information on the Conference has been included in this website in minute detail, which will also be frequently updated.

May I, on behalf of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, extend you the most cordial of invitations to attend the National Conference and to experience the hospitality and warmth of the State of Kerala. It is indeed my sincere hope that all delegates will find the Conference meaningful and the subjects discussed, pertinent and fruitful. Thank you all.

Message from Hon’ble Deputy Speaker

Shri. Chittayam Gopakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Kerala Legislative Assembly

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrates and commemorates seventyfive years of independence and the glorious history of it’s people, culture and achievements.

I am so proud that the Kerala Legislative Assembly is organising a national conference of Women Legislators as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav . This conference includes a variety of events such as roundtables, workshops, lectures, etc. I am so happy that delegates form a cross section of legislative institutions in India.

Women make up more than half of the members of panchayats, municipalities and corporations in Kerala. But the pictures change completely in the case of Assembly and parliament elections. Kerala had woman MLAs since the first assembly in 1957. Still their representation has never crossed ten percentage in the House.

Political Parties in all the three coalitions in Kerala have increased the percentage of tickets given to women since 2001. But the number has never exceeded sixteen percentage of the total candidates.

Where does India stand when it comes to percentage of elected women representatives in parliament? Studies show that India ranks 148th in a list of 193 countries.

Twenty-five years after it first came in parliament, the Women’s Reservation Bill is yet to become a reality. The road to true gender equality is still long.

The fact remains that a male centric mindset exists in society. Women remain sidelined from political and leadership roles. It is high time we face the reality, fill the gaps and fulfill our commitments.

We must remember what Swami Vivekanda said ; “A bird can not fly high with one wing”

It is a great pleasure to welcome all the delegates to this prestigious programme:-....... “Power of Democracy-National Women Legislators’ Conference , Kerala 2022”.

I wish all delegates a pleasant and memorable stay here at the historic city of Trivandrum.

Thank You.

Secretary's Page/ General Information

Shri. S. V. Unnikrishnan Nair, Secretary, Kerala Legislative Assembly.

As informed by the Hon'ble Speaker above, the National Women Legislators' Conference, Kerala - 2022 is being organized as part of the nation-wide celebrations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of India's independence. The Conference has been designed under the thematic concept 'Power of Democracy' and is planned as a two-day official session with a field trip on the third day. The following bits of information are being shared here for the reckoning and convenience of prospective delegates as well as their respective institutions.