π§π¦ Talk Boosters – Topic 45: π️ Topic: “Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?"
Here's your edited version for Day 45 of the Talk Booster series with the topic: “Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?” — restructured and rewritten just like the previous ones:
π£️ Talk Boosters – Topic: “Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?”
π§π« Instructions for Students:
Speak for 3–5 minutes sharing your thoughts, examples, and possible solutions. Be confident, discuss both positive progress and existing challenges, and give a balanced conclusion. You may refer to areas like education, politics, employment, health, entrepreneurship, and sports.
π¬ Try using phrases like:
π One of the major improvements is..., Still, there are challenges..., For instance..., In comparison..., On the other hand..., It is important to..., That’s why I strongly feel..., In the future, Kerala can ensure...
π― Focus on using:
✅ Gender equality vocabulary (empowerment, discrimination, opportunity, representation, wage gap, leadership, participation, inclusion, progress, barriers)
✅ Logical connectors (moreover, however, in contrast, as a result, therefore)
✅ Persuasive and reflective language (fair, equal, urgent, significant, inclusive, sustainable, meaningful, progressive, challenging)
π£️ Sample Speech Starter:
Hello everyone,
Today, I’d like to share my views on an important question — Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?
Kerala is often praised for its high literacy rate, good healthcare system, and relatively better status of women compared to many other Indian states. Women here are well educated, active in the workforce, and visible in fields like healthcare, teaching, and even politics. However, the question of whether women are getting truly equal opportunities in all fields is still worth discussing.
Firstly, in education, women in Kerala enjoy excellent opportunities. The female literacy rate is among the highest in India, and girls perform equally well or even better than boys in school exams. Yet, when it comes to higher studies in certain technical fields or leadership roles in universities, women are still underrepresented.
Secondly, in employment, women face both progress and challenges. While Kerala has a large number of women working as nurses, teachers, and government employees, they are still underrepresented in sectors like IT leadership, business management, and construction. The wage gap continues to exist, with many women earning less than men for similar work. Many women also struggle to balance family responsibilities with career growth, which limits their opportunities.
Thirdly, in politics, Kerala has seen inspiring women leaders, including health ministers and parliamentarians who have earned respect for their efficiency. Yet, the number of women in legislative assemblies and decision-making bodies is still very low compared to men. True equality means women should be equally represented in all levels of governance.
Another important area is sports. Kerala has produced brilliant women athletes such as P.T. Usha, who made the state and the nation proud. But even today, women athletes face lack of facilities, media attention, and financial support compared to men. This shows that the playing field is not fully equal.
On the positive side, Kerala has made remarkable progress in women empowerment. Self-help groups like Kudumbashree have enabled lakhs of women to start small businesses and become financially independent. Many women are excelling as entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, and artists. Social attitudes are changing, though slowly.
In my opinion, the journey towards equality is ongoing. While Kerala provides more opportunities for women than many other regions, true equality will be achieved only when women are equally represented in leadership positions, paid fairly for their work, and free from gender-based discrimination in all areas of life.
In conclusion, women in Kerala have gained significant opportunities, especially in education and healthcare. However, they still face challenges in politics, business, sports, and top leadership roles. It is the responsibility of both society and government to ensure inclusive policies, workplace equality, and social awareness. If Kerala continues to work in this direction, it can truly become a model state for gender equality in India.
Thank you.
❓ Follow-up Questions:
1️⃣ How has women’s literacy helped Kerala society?
2️⃣ Are women equally represented in Kerala’s universities?
3️⃣ What are the common jobs women in Kerala do?
4️⃣ Why do many women migrate abroad as nurses?
5️⃣ What is the meaning of the wage gap?
6️⃣ How are women represented in Kerala politics?
7️⃣ Do women in Kerala face challenges in business and entrepreneurship?
8️⃣ How does Kudumbashree help women?
9️⃣ Why are women underrepresented in sports?
π Can you name famous women athletes from Kerala?
1️⃣1️⃣ How does family responsibility affect women’s careers?
1️⃣2️⃣ Why is equal pay important?
1️⃣3️⃣ What steps should the government take for women empowerment?
1️⃣4️⃣ How do social attitudes influence women’s opportunities?
1️⃣5️⃣ What challenges do women face in leadership roles?
1️⃣6️⃣ Is Kerala a role model for women empowerment in India?
1️⃣7️⃣ Why is women’s representation important in politics?
1️⃣8️⃣ How can men support gender equality?
1️⃣9️⃣ What role does education play in women’s empowerment?
2️⃣0️⃣ In your opinion, what is the single most important change Kerala needs to ensure equal opportunities for women?
SAMPLE 1/2
Today, I would like to speak on the topic: Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?
Kerala is well known for its literacy and social progress. Women here enjoy more rights compared to many other states. They are highly educated and active in different fields. But still, the question remains — are they getting equal opportunities everywhere?
Firstly, education. Women in Kerala are equally educated as men, and sometimes even perform better in academics. Yet, in technical and leadership positions, women are still fewer in number.
Secondly, jobs and salary. Many women work as nurses, teachers, and government employees. But in IT, business, or high-paying jobs, women are less visible. The wage gap also shows inequality. Women often earn less than men for the same work.
Thirdly, politics. Though Kerala has had strong women leaders, the number of women MLAs and ministers is still very low. True equality will come only when women are equally represented in decision-making roles.
Fourthly, sports. Kerala has produced great women athletes like P.T. Usha, but women athletes usually receive less support and recognition than men. Many talents go unnoticed due to lack of facilities and encouragement.
On the positive side, women empowerment projects like Kudumbashree have changed many lives. Women are becoming entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders. Attitudes in society are changing, but slowly.
In conclusion, Kerala has made progress, but full equality is still not achieved. Women must get equal pay, fair representation in politics, and encouragement in all fields. If Kerala ensures this, it can become a true role model for gender equality in India.
Thank you.
”
SAMPLE 2/2
π️ Sample Speech 2
Topic: Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?
Respected teachers, dear friends, and my beloved audience,
Today I stand before you to speak on a question that touches the very heart of our society — Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields?
Now, the moment we hear this question, many of us may feel proud. After all, Kerala is often celebrated as one of the most progressive states in India. We are proud of our literacy, our healthcare, our human development index, and yes — our empowered women. But my friends, let us not stop with pride. Let us look deeper, because the truth is not a simple yes or no.
On paper, India has given women all the rights they deserve. The Constitution itself enshrines gender equality. Article 14 guarantees equality before law. The Right to Education Act ensures every girl between 6 and 14 must be educated. The Equal Remuneration Act promises equal pay for equal work. The Maternity Benefit Act secures paid leave for mothers. The Domestic Violence Act protects women inside the family. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, gives them dignity in offices. And the Hindu Succession Act grants daughters equal rights to property. What a proud list of laws!
But here comes the question: if equality is written so beautifully in our Constitution, why are we still discussing this topic in 2025? Why are women still fighting for equal space in many fields? The answer is simple — laws exist, but social practices, cultural attitudes, and economic realities often deny women the equality they deserve.
Take the case of employment. Yes, women in Kerala are educated, qualified, and ambitious. You will find them shining as teachers, nurses, doctors, and government employees. But are they truly equal in the workforce? The answer is no. The gender pay gap still exists. A woman doing the same work as a man is often paid less. Women are underrepresented in senior leadership, in corporate boardrooms, in high-end technology companies, in research labs, and in the highest levels of administration. They are present, yes — but not in equal numbers.
Then comes the burden of tradition. Even in modern Kerala, a working woman is expected to manage both office and home. She must be a professional in the workplace and a perfect homemaker after returning home. This double burden holds her back from reaching her full potential.
Now let us think about politics. Kerala has produced remarkable women leaders. We have seen health ministers praised across the globe. At the grassroots level, thanks to Panchayati Raj reservations, women sit in thousands of local governing bodies. But when we look at the State Assembly or Parliament, the picture is disappointing. Out of 140 MLAs, how many are women? Very few. Out of 20 Members of Parliament, how many are women? Again, only a handful. Can we call this equality? Representation matters, because when women are at the decision-making table, policies change, priorities change, and society benefits.
Friends, look at the field of sports. Kerala gave India the legendary P.T. Usha, the “Payyoli Express,” and the world-class long jumper Anju Bobby George. These women broke barriers, inspired millions, and carried India’s flag high. Yet even today, women athletes face lack of facilities, insufficient sponsorship, and lower media coverage compared to their male counterparts. That is not equal opportunity — that is partial opportunity.
What about the world of cinema? Women actors in Kerala are more powerful today than ever before. They have challenged the industry to treat them with respect and demanded equal pay. But still, stereotypes exist. Roles for women are often secondary, opportunities are fewer, and decision-making positions like directors, producers, and screenwriters are still dominated by men.
But amidst these challenges, let us not forget Kerala’s success stories. One shining example is Kudumbashree. This women’s self-help movement has transformed the lives of lakhs of women. Women who once stayed behind closed doors now run businesses, manage canteens, work in IT units, and even run community markets. Kudumbashree gave them financial independence, dignity, and confidence. It proved that when society invests in women, the entire community prospers.
Now, let us compare Kerala with the rest of India. Across India, millions of girls still struggle for basic education. Child marriage continues, dowry continues, female foeticide continues. In that background, Kerala shines like a lamp of progress. Here, almost every girl goes to school. Here, women walk freely, participate in debates, and raise their voices. Yes, we are far ahead of many states — but being better than the worst cannot be our benchmark. Equality is not about being better than Bihar or Uttar Pradesh. Equality is about women standing shoulder to shoulder with men, everywhere, in everything.
The truth is, even in Kerala, women are still under pressure from social norms. Families often expect daughters to marry early rather than chase careers. Jobs that require late-night work or frequent travel are discouraged for women. In many homes, the idea that “a woman’s first duty is to her family” still dominates. Until this mindset changes, laws alone cannot deliver equality.
So, what is the way forward? How can we ensure that women in Kerala truly get equal opportunities in all fields? The answer is multi-dimensional.
First, we must enforce the laws we already have — equal pay must mean equal pay in reality, not just in textbooks. Second, we must encourage women to enter fields traditionally dominated by men — science, technology, entrepreneurship, and politics. Third, we need to support working women with policies like flexible hours, safe workplaces, and quality childcare. Fourth, we must invest in women’s sports and arts, giving them the same visibility and resources as men. And above all, we must fight the invisible enemy of mindset — the belief that men are natural leaders and women are natural followers. That belief must be buried forever.
Friends, Kerala has always been a leader in social reforms. From the days of social renaissance, from the fight against untouchability, from the struggles for education, Kerala has shown India the path of progress. Now it is our duty to lead again — this time in proving that men and women are equals not just in law, not just in literacy, but in every sphere of life.
In conclusion, let me say this. Are women in Kerala getting equal opportunities in all fields? The honest answer is — not yet. They have come a long way, they are far ahead of many parts of India, but they are still not fully equal. And equality delayed is justice denied. The dream of Kerala should be a society where a woman does not have to fight for equal pay, where she does not have to beg for representation, where she does not have to balance double burdens, and where she can simply live as an equal citizen, with dignity and freedom.
Let us pledge today that we will not rest until that dream becomes reality. Because when women rise, society rises. When women succeed, Kerala succeeds. And when women get equal opportunities in every field, only then can we truly call ourselves a progressive, civilized, and modern state.
Thank you.
”