Gender Awareness | Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation Ltd

BODHYAM – Gender Sensitization Training Programme for Police Personnel

Bodhyam is a gender sensitization training initiative developed by the Kerala Women's Development Corporation, the implementing agency of the 181 Women Helpline in the state. The program is designed based on insights gathered from the 181 scheme reports and aims to enable more effective police responses to cases involving violence against women, children, and individuals belonging to gender and sexual minorities.

To build a more empathetic and responsive police force, the Bodhyam training module has been integrated into both in-service and induction training programs for police officers across all 20 police districts in Kerala.

The program consists of a four-day residential training held at the Thrissur Police Academy and the Thiruvananthapuram Police Training College. So far, over 11,000 police officers—from Civil Police Officers (CPOs) to Sub-Inspectors (SIs)—have successfully completed the training, representing approximately one-sixth of the total police force in the state.

By implementing gender-responsive policing strategies, Bodhyam aims to strengthen existing capacities and bring progressive change to future policing practices in Kerala. The Women’s Development Corporation envisions providing this training to all police personnel across the state in a time-bound manner, thereby institutionalizing gender sensitivity within the police force.

As part of efforts to further enhance and expand the scope of Bodhyam, national and international-level workshops are being planned during the current financial year.

Objectives

To enhance gender sensitivity among police personnel, enabling them to better understand and address issues faced by women, children, and gender/sexual minorities.
To improve the quality of police response to gender-based violence, ensuring empathy, dignity, and justice for survivors.
To institutionalize gender-responsive policing practices across Kerala by integrating training into both induction and in-service programs.
To promote inclusive law enforcement by addressing unconscious biases and fostering respect for diversity in gender and sexuality.

Physical Achievement
Offline Training	597
Online Induction RTPC’S Batch I	2320
Online Induction RTPC’S Batch II	2392
Online for Inservice Police Personal	632
Online Induction for Women Recruits Batch A	355
Online Induction for Women Recruits Batch B	129
Online Induction SI Recruits	167
TOTAL	6592

Women Cell in Colleges

In the Indian context, the perception of women is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional stereotypes to a more progressive and inclusive understanding. Historically, women have played significant roles in various domains, but societal norms often confined them to specific roles, primarily centered on domestic responsibilities. However, the new perspective recognizes that gender is a social construct and not a determinant of one's capabilities or roles.

The new perspective acknowledges the diverse contributions of women across all fields, from politics and business to science and the arts. It challenges deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and advocates for gender equality. This shift is driven by increased awareness, education, and advocacy, with younger generations leading the charge to break down gender barriers.

In this evolving landscape, initiatives like the Women Cell by the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation play a pivotal role. Women Cell aims at making women aware of their rights and duties. It also provides a platform for women to share their experiences/views about gender inequalities, their status in society and suggest ways to empower themselves. The objective of the Women Cell is to intellectually enrich and uplift women students. The Women Cell will be the face of KSWDC in colleges.

Aiming to rediscover the strength which lies inside young women, KSWDC proposes to start a WOMEN CELL- for a Cause in 100 Colleges in Kerala.

Objectives

To encourage greater participation and to develop responsible and value oriented leadership in women students.
To enhance the self-esteem and self-confidence among women students, faculty and staff in the college.
To provide training for women so that they become empowered in their young age thereby making them self- sustainable in the society.
To promote intellectual and cultural activities for the overall personality development of students.
To equip the students to the maximum for the betterment of the society.

Guidelines & Application Form