Women

 

The Constitution of India contains several provisions aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of  women and ensuring gender equality. Here are some of the special constitutional provisions for women:

1. Article 14:

· Article 14 guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex.

2. Article 15(3):

· Article 15(3) empowers the State to make special provisions for women and children.

3. Article 15(4):

· Article 15(4) allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including women.

4. Article 16(2):

· Article 16(2) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in public employment.

5. Article 39(a) and (d):

· Article 39(a) directs the State to ensure that citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood. Article 39(d) emphasizes equal pay for equal work for both men and women.

6. Article 42:

· Article 42 directs the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.

7. Article 51A(e):

· Article 51A(e) imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

8. Directive Principles of State Policy:

· Various Directive Principles of State Policy, including Article 39, Article 42, and Article 51, provide a framework for the State to work towards securing gender justice and promoting the welfare of women.

9. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961:

· While not a constitutional provision, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, ensures that women employees are entitled to maternity benefits, including paid leave and other related provisions.

10. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:

· Again, not a constitutional provision, but this Act provides for more effective protection of the rights of women who are victims of violence within the family.

11. Women's Participation in Panchayats:

· Amendments to the Constitution, such as the 73rd and 74th Amendments, have facilitated the reservation of seats for women in rural and urban local bodies, ensuring their participation in grassroots governance.

12. National Commission for Women (NCW):

· The National Commission for Women, established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, is a statutory body that works for the protection and promotion of the rights of women.

13. Women's Representation in Legislature:

· Efforts have been made to enhance the representation of women in legislatures through reservations in seats, as seen in the case of seats reserved for women in Panchayats and Municipalities.

These provisions collectively aim to eliminate discrimination against women, promote gender equality, and create conditions for the full development and empowerment of women in various spheres of life. However, the effective implementation of these provisions requires sustained efforts and awareness at both the policy and societal levels.