Kerala is expanding an initiative to help 10,000 women who have taken career breaks return to the workforce, bringing together the government, employers and voluntary organisations to create employment and returnship opportunities.
State Labour Minister Bindu Krishna said the state would adopt a multi-pronged approach to support women restarting their careers and help them progress in the employment sector.
The initiative, 10,000 Women Back to Career, began as a pilot in 2024 under the leadership of Women Inclusive in Technology (WIIT) and is now being scaled up. It will identify women who have taken career breaks, help them upgrade their skills and prepare for the job market before connecting them with suitable employment, returnships and other career opportunities.
A newly launched ReIgnite Portal will serve as the programme’s digital platform. Women can register their educational qualifications, professional experience, skills, interests and career aspirations, which will then be used to connect them with relevant training programmes and employment opportunities.
The initiative also focuses on workplace conditions that can influence women’s ability to return to and remain in employment. Krishna stressed the need for effective implementation of the POSH law to ensure safe workplaces and highlighted the importance of workplace day-care facilities for women returning after maternity leave.
The minister said sustained collaboration between the government, employers and voluntary organisations would be necessary to create a supportive environment for women returning to work.
The programme seeks to address the difficulty women often face in reconnecting with the job market after prolonged career breaks by combining skill development, career preparation and direct employer connections.
