- ICs are being established across IT companies and other sectors, addressing Workplace Harassment
- A dedicated portal launched in 2023 tracks IC activity and ensures accountability across sectors
- Veena George emphasized the need for more women to enter and thrive in the workforce, especially in IT
Speaking at a training programme for chairpersons and members of Internal Committees (ICs) at Technopark on Wednesday, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George announced that the state’s IT parks are being transformed into women-friendly workplaces through a mission-driven collaboration between the Women and Child Development Department and the IT Department.
Under this initiative, ICs are being established across all companies and public sector institutions within IT parks to address workplace harassment under the PoSH Act, 2013. Health Minister Veena emphasized that systematic efforts are underway to ensure safer and more inclusive workspaces for women in Kerala’s IT sector.
The minister noted that similar reforms are also being extended to the film industry, where training sessions have been conducted to support the creation of such committees. She highlighted that in 2023, the Women and Child Development Department launched a dedicated portal to monitor the functioning of ICs and ensure accountability across sectors.
By March 8, 2025, all government departments in Kerala had reportedly completed the formation of ICs, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to building safe workplaces. The initiative, while focused on the IT sector, is part of a broader mission to strengthen women’s participation in the workforce and address sector-specific challenges they face.
Minister Veena mentions, "A large number of women are working in the IT sector, and more women must come forward in the workforce."
The minister further appreciated the IT sector’s support for the state’s cancer prevention campaign, Arogyam Aanandam Akattam Arbudham. She stressed that institutions and employers share responsibility for ensuring the effective functioning of Internal Committees under the PoSH Act.
The training session, held as part of Kerala’s workplace safety initiatives, was presided over by Women and Child Development Director Haritha V. Kumar, with Nirbhaya Cell State Coordinator Sreela Menon leading the sessions and Additional Director Bindu Gopinath delivering the welcome address.
