How Important Are Gender Neutral Laws

Gender inequalities are one of the most prominent manifestations of inequality on our

planet. Gender equality affects each member of the community at large and shapes the

future and foundation of the society.

Gender discrimination in India is a serious problem that affects both males and

females. Gender inequality has affected several dimensions of women’s lives from job

growth and advancement in mental health problems. Each citizen of India has also been

granted certain rights to protect their interest which are brought into force by the

judiciary concerning some restrictions.

The Union Government set up the Nirbhaya Fund for meeting expenditure to enhance

the safety of women. India has made strict laws like amendment in POSCO Act, 2012

like the death penalty can be given to convict of rape of minor or child below 12 years of

age.

Rights given to women in India:-

Constitutional provisions like Articles 14, 15, 16, 39 and 42 of the Indian Constitution

provides the concept of gender justice like equality before the law or equal protection of

the law. There are certain articles that especially promote the idea of women empowerment in

the society such as:

● ARTICLE 51 (A)(e): There should be a sense of brotherhood among the citizens of

India

● ARTICLE 243 (D)(3): One-third of the total number of seats should be reserved

for women (including for women who come from disadvantaged sections like

SC/ST) in Panchayats and is to be filled by direct election.

● ARTICLE 243 (D)(4): One-third of the total number of seats should be reserved

for women as a chairperson in the office of Panchayat.

Legal Provisions for Women in India:

There are some special laws and provisions that are made by the Centre and State’s

legislature in order to safeguard the dignity of women.

Some acts that are considered offensive are:

● Kidnapping and Abduction (Sec. 363-373)

● Rape (Sec. 376)

● Physical and Mental Torture (Sec. 498-A)

● Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509)

Acts and Provisions that protect the interests of a woman:

● The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

● Women’s Reservation Bill, 2008

● The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948

● The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

Injustice Is Prevalent To Other Genders, How Right Is That?