Economic empowerment is the strongest foundation for women to move ahead with confidence and self-reliance, Minister for Women and Child Development Veena George has said.
Inaugurating Escalera 2026, a women’s fest organised by the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation in association with the Women and Child Development (WCD) department, at the Nishagandhi auditorium here on Tuesday, the Minister said government initiatives were focussed on helping women recognise their potential and convert it into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Economic empowerment of women created a positive ripple effect on families and society, Ms. George said, reiterating the State government’s commitment to strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership.
Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu gave away prizes for various competitions at the event. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bindu said platforms such as Escalera contributed significantly to gender justice by integrating education, livelihood generation, and social awareness.
Mountaineer Bindu O.N. was honoured at the function.
Sharmila Mary Joseph, Principal Secretary, WCD, presented the event report. V.K. Prasanth, MLA; Kerala Women’s Commission chairperson P. Satheedevi; Women and Child Development director Haritha V. Kumar; Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation chairperson K.C. Rosakutty and managing director Bindu V.C. attended the inaugural function.
A major attraction of Escalera 2026 is the exhibition and trade fair, which is open to the public till February 9. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of products by women entrepreneurs from Kerala and other States. Cultural programmes will also be held every evening as part of the festival. A musical show by singer Rimi Tomy is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
The fest, spread across the Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds and the Nishagandhi auditorium, features theme-based conclaves, seminars, entrepreneurship training sessions, exhibitions, and cultural programmes to showcase the theme of women empowerment.
Published – February 03, 2026 09:27 pm IST
