Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will inaugurate ‘Resurge – Safe Women, Safe Kerala,’ a gathering of women organised by the Women and Child Development department in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the Independence Day celebrations, on Friday night (August 14, 2026).

The gathering, which will comprise a host of activities, will be held from University College Junction to Ayurveda College Junction from 9.30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna said at a press conference here on Thursday.

The Minister said the programme was a reminder of women overcoming fears and reclaiming their space and freedom not only during the day, but at night also. Hundreds of women worked night shifts and travelled at night for studies or medical purposes, but there were still some pockets where women did not have the same freedom as men at night as they did during the day. ‘Safe Women, Safe Kerala’ was intended to strengthen social awareness that public spaces at night belonged to women too and ensure safety of women and their freedom of movement.

Awareness programmes

The event would include programmes to create awareness of government mechanisms to ensure women’s safety. Its other objectives include promotion of self-defence, health, and physical fitness; providing women entrepreneurs opportunities to sell their products; and putting forward the idea of women-friendly city with the support of various government departments, organisations, and collectives, the Minister said.

The event would begin with a rally by women bikers riding motorcycles; a rally by 25 women from the SheCycling initiative taking part in the event; skating by 40 girls from ‘Team Poojappura’; Kalaripayattu demonstration by 40 women; and self-defence training by women police personnel.

Dance, music, poetry recitation, stalls by women entrepreneurs, exhibition stalls, ‘Wall of Freedom’ for women to express their views, exhibition of women safety apps and help lines, police help desk, and She Team facilities will be arranged as part of the event.

Women can enjoy the night by shopping at the night market and having food at eateries.

First aid, ambulance, drinking water, and toilet facilities will also be arranged.

The programme would be the first of those organised to bring about a change in the mindset of society on women’s freedom and movement, Ms. Krishna said.

Published - August 13, 2026 07:26 pm IST