Saturday, 7 March 2015

Woman-empowerment-in-India


The National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) was launched by the Government of India(GoI) on International Women’s Day in 2010 with the aim to strengthen overall processes that promote all-round Development of women.

It has the mandate to strengthen the inter-sector convergence; facilitate the process of coordinating all the women’s welfare and socio-economic development programmes across ministries and departments.  The Mission aims to provide a single window service for all programmes run by the Government for Women under aegis of various Central Ministries.
In light with its mandate, the Mission has been named Mission Poorna Shakti, implying a vision for holistic empowerment of women.

The National Resource Center for Women has been set up which functions as a national convergence center for all schemes and programmes for women. It acts as a central repository of knowledge, information, research and data on all gender related issues and is the main body servicing the National and State Mission Authority.

Sources: http://www.nmew.gov.in/index.php

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Constitution of India under Article 15(3), states that it allows positive discrimination in favour of women and children. Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children. Following are the list of Women Empowerment Programmes instigated by the government:

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh 
The Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) was set up in 1993 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, with an aim to fulfill credit needs of poor and women with no financial assistance specifically in the formal sector. The micro finance services under RMK is provided through a client friendly and hassle-free loaning mechanism for livelihood activities , housing needs , family needs etc with a motive to uplift the economic status of poor women. It is also known as National Credit Fund for Women as it provides financial assistance to poor women to meet their needs.

Support to Training and employment Programme for Women (STEP)
STEP was launched by the Government of India in 1969 in the Central Sector called the Short Stay Homes for Women & Girls to protect and rehabilitate those women and girls who are facing social and moral danger due to family problems mental strains, social ostracism, exploitation or other causes. The services extended in these Homes include medical care; case work services; occupational therapy; education- cum- vocational training and recreational facilities.

The need for providing Short Stay Homes for Women and Girls has been due to the changing pattern of life, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation and the resulting migration from rural to urban areas. This effort is made to help the women to rehabilitate themselves within a short period of time. These Short Stay Homes have been established by voluntary organisations.

Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) – ‘Sabla’
The Sabla scheme was launched in year 2011. It aims at covering all out-of-school Adolescent Girls in the age group of 11 to 18 years who would assemble at the Anganwadi Centre on a fixed day at regular interval. The others, i.e., school-going girls, meet at the AWC at least twice a month, and more frequently (once a week) during vacations/holidays. Here they receive life skills education, nutrition and health education, awareness about socio-legal issues, etc. 

This provides an opportunity for mixed group interaction between school-going and out-of-school girls, motivating the latter to also join school and help the school going to receive the life skills. This scheme mainly aims at reducing the dropout rate of Adolescent Girls by increasing their literacy rate and work participation.

Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB)
The Central Social Welfare Board was set up by a Resolution of Government of India dated 12th August, 1953 with the object of promoting social welfare activities and implementing welfare programmes for women, children and the handicapped through voluntary organisations. 

The Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY)
 IGMSY was introduced in year 2010 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for pregnant and lactating women, aiming to partly compensate them for wage-loss during childbirth and childcare and also provide conditions for ensuring safe delivery and promote good nutrition and feeding practices for infants and young children.  

Swayamsidha scheme
Swayamsidha scheme was launched in the year 2001 dedicated to Women empowerment. It is a Self Help Groups (SHG) based programme with emphasis on convergence activities. The objective is to ensure that SHG members avail the benefit of all schemes and services in an integrated and holistic manner. This scheme is being implemented in 6 Swayamsidha Scheme districts under which 13 blocks have been sanctioned in Haryana State.

1,300 SHGs have been formed under the scheme and all the 1,300 SHGs are doing saving and have accumulated savings to the tune of Rs. 526.48 lakh and all these groups are conducting inter loaning which is to tune of Rs 442.24 lac and all of them have also opened bank accounts out of which, 603 groups have even availed Bank loans.

Swadhar
This is a Central sector scheme for providing holistic and integrated services to women  in difficult circumstances  such as destitute widows, women prisoners released from jail and without family support, women survivors of  natural disasters; trafficked women/girls  rescued from brothels or other places  or victims of sexual crime, mentally challenged women who are without any support etc. The package  of services made available include provision for food, clothing, shelter, health care, counselling and legal support, social and economic rehabilitation through education, awareness generation , skill upgradation. 

The scheme is implemented through voluntary organisations including Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Boards, State Women's Development Corporation, urban bodies etc., provided they have the required experience and expertise in the rehabilitation of such women. The scheme also supports a helpline for women in distress, counselling centre, training centre and medical centre. At present, 34 swadhar centres are functioning in the State.

Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA)
Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) introduced in 1982-83 in a sub-scheme of Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) at district level.
The primary objective of the scheme is to focus attention on the women members of rural families below the poverty line to provide them the opportunities of self-employment on a sustained basis. The programme was initially introduced in 50 selected districts. Later, it was extended to more districts in a phased manner all over the country.
With Thanks to The Hansindia.
Sources:
http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-03-05/Woman-empowerment-schemes-in-India-135385

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Laws for Women in India.


Sources:http://ncw.nic.in/frmllawsrelatedtowomen.aspx
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CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR WOMEN IN INDIA

NATIONAL LEGAL RESEARCH DESK
The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, Plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. India has also ratified various international conventions and human rights instruments committing to secure equal rights of women. Key among them is the ratification of the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1993.
  1. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
The Constitution of India not only grants equality to women but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women for neutralizing the cumulative socio economic, education and political disadvantages faced by them.  Fundamental Rights, among others, ensure equality before the law and equal protection of law; prohibits discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and guarantee equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment.  Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 39(a), 39(b), 39(c) and 42 of the Constitution are of specific importance in this regard.
Constitutional Privileges
(i) Equality before law for women (Article 14)
(ii)  The State not to discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of  birth or any of them (Article 15 (i))
(iii)       The State to make any special provision in favour of women and children (Article 15 (3))
(iv)  Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State (Article 16)
(v)  The State to direct its policy towards securing for men and women equally the right to an adequate means of livelihood (Article 39(a)); and equal pay for equal work for both men and women (Article 39(d))
(vi)   To promote justice, on a basis of equal opportunity and to provide free legal aid  by suitable legislation or scheme or in any other way to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities (Article 39 A)
 (vii)      The State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief(Article 42)
(viii)  The State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation (Article 46)
(ix)       The State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people (Article 47)
(x)        To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women (Article 51(A) (e))
(xi)       Not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat to be reserved for women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Panchayat (Article 243 D(3))
(xii)      Not less than one- third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level to be reserved for women (Article 243 D (4))
(ix)  Not less than one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in everyMunicipality to be reserved for women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Municipality (Article 243 T (3))
(x)  Reservation of offices of Chairpersons in Municipalities for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and women in such manner as the legislature of a State may by law provide (Article 243 T (4))
2. LEGAL PROVISIONS
To uphold the Constitutional mandate, the State has enacted various legislative measures intended to ensure equal rights, to counter social discrimination and various forms of violence and atrocities and to provide support services especially to working women.
Although women may be victims of any of the crimes such as ‘Murder’, ‘Robbery’, ‘Cheating’ etc, the crimes, which are directed specifically against women, are characterized as ‘Crime against Women’. These are broadly classified under two categories.
 (1) The Crimes Identified Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
  • Rape (Sec. 376 IPC)
  • Kidnapping & Abduction for different purposes ( Sec. 363-373)
  • Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their attempts (Sec. 302/304-B IPC)
  • Torture, both mental and physical (Sec. 498-A IPC)
  • Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC)
  • Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509 IPC)
  • Importation of girls (up to 21 years of age)
(2)  The Crimes identified under the Special Laws (SLL)
Although all laws are not gender specific, the provisions of law affecting women significantly have been reviewed periodically and amendments carried out to keep pace with the emerging requirements. Some acts which have special provisions to safeguard women and their interests are:
(i)  The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948
(ii)  The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
(iii) The Family Courts Act, 1954
(iv)The Special Marriage Act, 1954
(v) The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
(vi)   The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 with amendment in 2005
(vii)  Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
(viii)  The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 1995)
(ix)  Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
(x)   The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
(xi)  The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1976
(xii)  The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
(xiii)  The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
(xiv)  The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1983
(xv)  The Factories (Amendment) Act, 1986
(xvi)   Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
(xvii)   Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987
(xviii)  The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
3.                  SPECIAL INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN
(i) National Commission for Women
In January 1992, the Government set-up this statutory body with a specific mandate to study and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and legal safeguards provided for women, review the existing legislation to suggest amendments wherever necessary, etc.
(ii) Reservation for Women in Local Self -Government
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Acts passed in 1992 by Parliament ensure one-third of the total seats for women in all elected offices in local bodies whether in rural areas or urban areas.
(iii)   The National Plan of Action for the Girl Child (1991-2000)
The plan of Action is to ensure survival, protection and development of the girl child with the ultimate objective of building up a better future for the girl child.
(iv)  National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001
The Department of Women & Child Development in the Ministry of Human Resource Development has prepared a “National Policy for the Empowerment of Women” in the year 2001. The goal of this policy is to bring about the advancement, development and empowerment of women.
Sources with Thanks: http://nlrd.org/womens-rights-initiative/legislations-laws-related-to-women/constitutional-and-legal-provisions-for-women-in-india
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Women Issues and law Women Issues - Forum

Section 498A:
of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which defines the offence of matrimonial cruelty, was inserted into the IPC by an amendment in 1983
A Cry Still Unheard: The Menace Of Female Foeticide In India: Female foeticide is a heinous act and an indicator of violence against women. Still after many years of the making and imposing of
Adultery- the need for change in IPC: This articles raises various issues with refernce to Section 497 of IPC i.e adultery. It also suggests changes for the same
Salient features of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 has reformed Hindu law of Marriage. It is a landmark in the history
Divorce under Muslim Law: Firm union of the husband and wife is a necessary condition for a happy family life. Islam therefore

Domestic Violence Act - Fundamental rights: Domestic violence is sadly a reality in Indian society, a truism. In the Indian

Subjugation of women rights lead to violation of human rights: Human rights as an issue occupies centre stage in contemporary public debate

Female Foeticide: The Article is about the problem of female foeticide and how it has grown over the years. On what basis is
Medical termination of Pregnancy: how blatantly is the right to life of a mother and a disabled child violated when the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971...
Right of Abortion v. Child in Mother's Womb: Abortion means deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage. Abortion is the subject of strong public debate, especially in the US
Eve teasing In India And Tortious Liabilities: The term Eve teasing is used to refer to sexual harassment of women in public places

Bride burning & Laws in India: The system of dowry is deep rooted in the Indian society since the early days of the history

Law, Women And Advertisements: The Advertising Standards Council’s Code for Self regulation defines an advertisement as

legal position of Eunuchs: This article is a very rare and sensitive article which delves

Women Suffrage: A comparative perspective toward women’s voting right between Scandinavian and Middle Eastern countries -with a focus in Iran

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Despite of these legislations there is no legislation which particularly
Personal Dignity: Dignity is a universal human concern. Its moral agenda is to attempt a double kind of evaluation of the
Commercial Sex Workers: The commercial sex worker has been a universal being throughout civilization as prostitution
Women and Violence: Violence affects the lives of millions of women worldwide, in all socio-economic and educational classes
Domestic Violence Act, 2005-A Bane Or A Boon?: Domestic violence is one of the gravest and the most pervasive human rights violation
A Woman Can't Rape Woman: In State Govt. V. Sheodayal (1956 Cr LJ 83 M.P) M.P High court opined that modesty of a woman can be outraged by another women u/s 354.
Rights Of Second Wife: Second marriage, during the subsistence of the first marriage, is illegal
Violence against women: This research paper introduces the discussion of legal responses to violence against women.
Violence against woman - Issue Of Honor killing: A woman can be targeted by individuals within her family for a variety of reasons, including: refusing to enter into an arranged marriage

Can Women be Karta?: The Karta of a Hindu joint Family in Hindu Law is the senior most member of the family

Family law

a complete guide on family laws in India, bankruptcy, how to hire a lawyer

Laws on Sexual Harassment

The Eve Teasing Malaise: under Section 298 A and Section 298 B of the Indian Penal Code, a man who is found guilty of making a female the target of obscene gestures,....
Rape Laws In India-Appropriate or not: Rape is a stigma which exists in the society from a long time. The dictionary meaning of word rape....
Crime Against Women & its Impact on Them: Over 32000 murders, 19,000 rapes, 7500 dowry deaths and 36500 molestation cases are the violent crimes reported in India in 2006 against women......

Law on Sexual Harassment :
The Court has emphasized that the guidelines and norms being laid down by it had to be duly observed
Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women
Survey of the Gender Study Group shows that most women felt disgusted, insulted and scared by ......

Sexual Harassment At Workplace-An Overview
According to the Protection of Human Right Act, 1993 "human rights" means
Vishakha Judgement: Vishakha Judgement brought out the problem of sexual harassment at workplace in public glare. Even after the Supreme Court gave the guidelines, harassment

Gender Inequality

Gender Justice: A Comparative Study of U.K., U.S.A., E.U. & India: Over the centuries, as traditional patriarchal customs and laws became more deeply entrenched, women’s lives.....
The blind mother: Related to women issues & legal rights - Tempted away from grey complexity to the drama of stark contrast one could title our land as the historical volumes of sexual discrimination......

Consent of a Mental Retardee for Abortion necessary: A critique and observations on the Supreme Court decision in Suchitha Srivastava and anr v. Chandigarh Administration...
Legalize Abortion In India: Abortion is defined by the Canadian Intermediate Dictionary as the deliberate ending pregnancy
Gender Inequality: Man and woman are both equal and both plays a vital role in the creation and development of their families in a particular and the society in general
Domestic Violence in Marriage: The aim of this article is to segregate this evil from the other righteous norms, thus trying to create a mental block or resistance amongst people towards the undue violence
Arrest of Fair Sex Fairly: Under Article 14 of Indian constitution men and women are equal but simultaneously Article15 (3) empowers the state to make provisions in favour of women

Women's Human Right: More Said Than Done: human rights for women, as for all individuals, are protected in international law. The international community has tried to play

Changing Facets Of Sexual Offences: This article mainly aims at the man’s illicit temptations, which makes

Prostitution in India: The article deals with the problem of prostitution in India and what steps

Trafficking in Women: ever haunting and growing incident of trafficking in women and children that are

Till Divorce Do Us Apart: Legal separation can sometimes be harder than getting married. Here's a look

Accomplice Evidence in Sexual Offenses: In sexual crimes, the other person usually the woman, may or may
 not be an accomplice, according as she is...

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act: The need, nature ,structure and purpose and the initiative of the legislation along with the reasons of it being proven

Adultery: The dying voices analyzing and criticizing every aspect of the law have risen again

Recognition of Equality Marriage: Each individual's journey through life is unique. Some will make this journey alone, others in loving relationships may be in marriage or other forms of.

"Rape -Texual or Psychological: The need to change Section 375 of the IPC, 1860: Is ‘Rape’ merely a word described in section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to be interpreted stricto senso

The Domestic Violence Act: Constitutional Perspectives: Domestic violence is sadly a reality in Indian society, a truism. In the Indian patriarchal setup...

Gender justice in India: Women are deprived of economic resources and are dependent on men for their living. Women works are often confined to domestic sphere.

Trafficking in Women and Children: Trafficking in Women and Children is the gravest form of abuse and exploitation of human beings. Thousands of Indians are trafficked everyday

The Protection Of Women From Domestic Violence Act: Indian women have always been considered to be downtrodden section of the society. Men have always treated women

Changes brought in the position of women: The Constitution of India provides that every person is entitled for equality before law and equal protection of the laws and thereby prohibits

Cruelty as a Matrimonial offence under Muslim Law: The general notion of cruelty is very subjective- depending on time, place, persons and other factors also. The legal concept of....
Rape law in India and World: Rape is a heinous crime in our world. Now a days all civilized country enacted their own law on this topic

With Thanks sources: http://www.legalserviceindia.com/laws/women_issues.htm

Safe Women, Strong Nations


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