Laws related to women vary by country, but there are certain key areas where women’s rights are typically protected. Here are some broad categories of laws often in place to safeguard women's rights:
1. Constitution of India
Article 14: Everyone, including women, is equal before the law. This means no one can be treated unfairly just because of their gender.
Article 15: Discrimination based on sex (gender) is not allowed. This means women should not be treated differently from men.
Article 21: Women have the right to live with dignity and safety, which includes protection from violence or unfair treatment.
2. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Section 3: Domestic violence includes any physical, emotional, or sexual abuse within the home. If a woman is being abused, this law protects her.
Section 12: A woman who is experiencing violence can approach the court for protection, and the court will issue orders to stop the abuse.
Section 18: The woman can get a protection order that stops the abuser from coming near her, calling her, or threatening her.
Section 20: The woman can also ask for compensation for the harm she has suffered due to the abuse.
3. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013
Section 3: Sexual harassment at work includes things like unwanted touching, comments, or advances, and is illegal.
Section 4: Employers must set up a committee to prevent sexual harassment and address complaints.
Section 11: If a woman faces harassment, she can file a complaint with the internal committee, which will investigate the matter.
4. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
Section 4: Women should be paid the same amount as men if they are doing the same job with equal skills and responsibilities.
Section 5: Employers who don’t follow this rule can be fined or punished.
5. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Section 3: Giving or taking dowry (money or gifts given at the time of marriage) is illegal. This includes both demanding and accepting dowry.
Section 4: Anyone who demands dowry can be punished with imprisonment and a fine.
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6. The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
Section 375: Defines rape. If a man forces a woman into sexual activity without her consent, it is considered rape and is a crime.
Section 498A: If a woman is being treated cruelly by her husband or his family, such as through abuse or harassment, it’s a crime.
Section 354: If someone tries to touch a woman inappropriately or attacks her modesty, it is a criminal offense.
Section 377: This section criminalizes unnatural sexual offences, such as sexual acts against women without consent.
7. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Section 3: If a woman is pregnant, she is entitled to paid maternity leave from her job for a certain number of weeks.
Section 9: A woman cannot be fired or treated unfairly for taking maternity leave.
8. The Hindu Succession Act, 1956
Section 6: Daughters now have the same rights as sons to inherit property in a Hindu family. They are considered equal heirs.
Section 8: If a Hindu woman dies without a will, her property will be inherited by her family members according to law.
9. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
Section 3: If a girl is married before the age of 18, the marriage is considered illegal.
Section 4: Those who perform or support child marriages can be punished.
10. The Family Courts Act, 1984
Section 2: Family courts are set up to help women and families solve issues like divorce, child custody, and maintenance.
Section 20: A woman can file for maintenance (financial support) from her husband or partner if they separate or divorce
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11. The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987
Section 3: This law makes it illegal to force or encourage a woman to commit "sati" (self-immolation after her husband’s death).
Section 4: Anyone who supports or helps someone commit sati can be punished severely.
12. The Indian Divorce Act, 1869
Section 10: Provides the grounds on which a Christian woman can file for divorce, such as cruelty or adultery.
Section 36: If a woman is divorced, she can claim alimony (financial support) from her husband.
These laws aim to protect women's rights in various aspects of life, from safety and equality to family and work. They ensure that women have legal recourse if their rights are violated, and they also seek to eliminate harmful practices like dowry and child marriage.
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