Empowerment of women is a mission human society addresses universally through various angles. Constitutionally the Government, the Executive, and the Judiciary as a whole are working together in this direction. One of the measures commonly resorted to is the creation of socially relevant laws with a view to reducing crimes against women to the bare minimum. However, the fact remains that apart from the legislative process, what matters is the percolation of such laws to the ground level in the society, especially for women.

It is very unfortunate that for a population consisting of 48% approximately we are still in the process of creating laws, support systems, and even reservations for women to ensure a safety and security for women. Unfortunately, even Parliament provides only 33% reservation for women in India; and the question is why not we ensure total gender equality in letter and spirit? It will be pertinent to note here that there are five important laws, which every woman must be generally aware of, in order to enhance their safety and security. They are:

• Equal Remuneration Act 1976:

Section 4, proclaims that for doing same work the remuneration for both men and women must be equal and no discrimination of whatsoever nature is permissible. Article 39 of the Constitution of India also promulgates this theory. Any disparities noticed can be questioned by any citizen, especially women.

• Sexual Harassment Act 2013

is required to be followed in workplaces, where more than ten employees work, there must be a complaint committee to handle all the sexual harassment issues in the organization. The presiding officer of this committee must be one of the senior woman employees of the organization. Failure to comply with this provision in law will entail a fine of Rs.50,000/-, for repeat offence, this may extend up to Rs.1 lakh, and even lead to cancellation of the statutory licence to run the business. Awareness of this legislative provision, especially by all the women of India, is very important and must be adhered to by everybody.

• RIGHT TO ANONYMITY FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

The details of identity, action taken report, or information about the proceedings should not be made public or revealed to the media, as per section 16 of the Sexual Harassment Act 2013. The women stand protected against adverse publicity, against her wish, as per law.

• CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE :

Section 46 (1) specifies that a woman can be arrested only by a female police official, and section 46 (4) also specifies that a woman cannot be arrested between sunset and sunrise unless supported by an order from a 1st class Magistrate based on a specific report in writing to the effect. The fact remains, however, that this provision is not in the knowledge of many citizens; it also is being mishandled by the people concerned including the police or the competent authorities.

• HINDU SUCCESSION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2005:

It dictates that the son and daughter hold equal rights on the ancestral property of the parents unless supported by a will based on the fact whether the property is self-acquired or inherited. With this amendment, the girls can now breathe free as they can now legally claim rights on the ancestral property like sons. The days of depriving girls from their rights to ancestral property or to return to their parents in case of an unfortunately strained relationship with the husband and his family are over. Every woman entering into a marital relationship must be aware of this and they must recognize the fact that they can no longer be bullied or treated as orphans, and they are not vulnerable in the society, and can no longer be forced to live like victims.

Now, we all must be aware that daughter and son hold equal rights to the ownership of ancestral properties, and employment opportunities, daughters are not vulnerable in the society, there are special provisions in law against sexual harassment issues, and a forced sexual relationship is a criminal offence even by a husband? So come on women of India, be aware of your legal or social rights, and put your foot down at every walk of life and assert your authority. 

.    .    .