NPGRC

Women Act

In India, several crucial legislations collectively known as the Women Act have been enacted to safeguard the rights and welfare of women across various domains. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, stands as a landmark legislation offering civil remedies and protective measures against domestic abuse, encompassing physical, emotional, sexual, and economic violence. Similarly, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, mandates safe working environments free from harassment, with mechanisms for complaints and redressal. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, extends maternity leave to 26 weeks and requires crèche facilities in workplaces, enhancing support for working mothers. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, prohibits the giving and receiving of dowry, aiming to curb related offences and protect women from financial exploitation in marriages. Furthermore, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, prevents early and forced marriages, safeguarding young girls' rights to education and development. Recent amendments like the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, further strengthen reproductive rights and address sexual offences against women, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure gender equality and empower women in India.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

This Act provides for civil remedies and protection orders against domestic violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse. It aims to provide immediate relief and support to women facing violence within domestic relationships.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

This Act mandates employers to create a safe working environment free from sexual harassment. It defines sexual harassment, prescribes mechanisms for complaints and redressal, and ensures confidentiality and protection for complainants.

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017

This amendment increases maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks for working women in all establishments, including the private sector. It also mandates crèche facilities for organisations with 50 or more employees.

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

This Act prohibits the giving or receiving of dowry in marriages. Amendments have been made to strengthen its enforcement and address related offences more effectively.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

While primarily focused on preventing child marriages, this Act also aims to protect the rights of young girls and women from early and forced marriages, ensuring their education and development.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021

This recent amendment allows for the termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks under specific conditions, enhancing reproductive rights and healthcare access for women.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013

Enacted in response to the Nirbhaya case, this amendment strengthened laws related to sexual offences against women, including amendments to the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Evidence Act.