"There is need of a legislation for protection of privacy and dignity of women. They should not be exposed for advertorial advantages. Rights of widows have to be protected and rights of illegitimate children assured," he said, addressing the first International conference of Kudumbashree, state Poverty Eradication mission, on its 17th anniversary.
An amendment to the Dowry Prohibition Act is needed, taking into account Kerala state specifics, the minister said.
"Once these legislations and a plan of action for implementation are put in place, Kudumbashree could become the most important pivotal movement in Kerala with all the legal backup for women empowerment and can be a role model for the rest of the world for women's resurgence," Muneer said.
On the legislation for privacy and dignity of women, he said Kudumbashree would prepare all draft documents in three months after which government will take a policy decision.
Presently, there are 42 lakh women in the 'Kudumbashree' fold who have shown that poverty can be reduced through numerous Self Help Groups, micro enterprises, collective farming, organic farming, short stay homes.
Over 50 per cent of the elected women representatives in the three-tier local governments in Kerala are members of the Kudambashree network.