Learn, Earn & Return | Unlocking the Power of the Educated Woman | From Learning to Earning and Leading | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Kerala is often described as the land of learning. Its people take pride in literacy, equality, and social awareness. In a thoughtful conversation between Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose and Prof. Dr. Sharon Wilson, two distinguished academicians explore what it means to be a woman in Kerala today. Their discussion celebrates the triumphs of education while reflecting on the challenges that remain in translating knowledge into action.
Education as the Foundation of Progress
For Prof. Dr. Jolly Jose, being a woman in Kerala is an experience filled with gratitude and pride. “The open-minded nature of our society and the importance given to education are wonderful,” she shares. “I was able to study because my parents, grandparents, and especially my mother and grandmothers were educated. They believed that everyone in the family must have access to learning.”
This strong family tradition has created generations of educated women in Kerala. Education here is not seen as a privilege. It is seen as a right and a duty.
A Contrast with Other Regions
Dr. Jose points out that the situation is not the same across India. “In many parts of the North and in some states of the Northeast, girl children are still kept away from school,” she observes. “During the period of Covid, when families had only one device, it was usually given to the boy for online study. I also conducted studies in Haryana and found that many boys continued their education while a good number of girls were left behind.”
Kerala, she says, stood out even during that crisis. “Girls here were encouraged to study and were given the same opportunities as boys. The commitment to education never disappeared.”
A Culture of Equal Learning
Kerala’s literacy rate, which is close to one hundred percent, stands as proof of this commitment. “Everyone can read and write,” Dr. Jose explains. “Even if higher education is not possible for all, basic learning reaches every home. There is no difference between boys and girls when it comes to higher studies. Most girls complete their degrees, and many move into professional courses in engineering, medicine, and the sciences.”
Ambition among young women in Kerala continues to grow. The walls that once separated gender roles in education are gradually being replaced by a spirit of equality and determination.
Women in Media: Courage and Competence
Dr. Jose speaks with admiration about women in the field of journalism. “Kerala has many outstanding women journalists who work with great skill and courage. They are well trained in modern tools such as fact checking, digital analysis, and artificial intelligence. They lead as news anchors, sports reporters, and field correspondents who take on challenging assignments.”
She adds that women journalists in Kerala are often at the forefront of discussions and investigations. “Compared with many other regions, our women in media are confident, technically knowledgeable, and fearless.”
The Question of Productivity | Get into Discussions and Actions
Even with all these achievements, Dr. Jose expresses a serious concern. “Many educated women remain nonproductive,” she says. “They have degrees but very few opportunities to use their knowledge. Most often, their education is used only to guide their children in studies. Beyond that, their talents are left unexplored.”
She acknowledges the value of homemakers but believes that the state and society must create more platforms for women to apply their learning. “Education finds its true meaning only when it is put to use. We must encourage women to contribute actively to social and economic progress.”
Beyond Literacy: Towards Leadership
Kerala has won global admiration for its success in educating women. Yet, as Dr. Sharon Wilson remarks, “The journey does not end with learning. The next stage is leadership. Women must be given the space to lead and to shape the future.”
The discussion between the two professors becomes a gentle yet firm reminder. Kerala has given its women the gift of knowledge. The time has come to open wider doors so that this knowledge can turn into creativity, enterprise, and service.
Kerala’s story is one of progress and promise. The women of Kerala stand ready; educated, aware, and capable, to lead their state and their nation toward a more equal and enlightened tomorrow.
