Context

• Given the centrality of women’s role in  society, it is now well acknowledged that empowering a man leads to empowering an individual, but empowering a woman empowers an entire  generation. 
• Combating violence, ending child marriage and female genital mutilation, promoting political and economic empowerment, safeguarding sexual and reproductive health rights, protecting land rights, and implementing gender-responsive budgeting are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality. 

Government Initiatives towards empowerment of women

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: 

• Launched in 2015, this initiative is a tri-ministerial, convergent effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and Education. The scheme is envisaged to address the declining Child Sex Ratio and related issues of women empowerment over a life-cycle continuum.  

2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): 

• Introduced in 2017, it is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under which cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss. A conditional cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in three installments is provided for the first living child of the family.

3. Mahila e-Haat: 

• This online platform was launched in 2016 to facilitate women entrepreneurs and artisans in showcasing and selling their products. It provides a digital marketplace for women to reach a wider customer base and promote their businesses. 

4. Ujjwala Yojana: 

• Launched in 2016, this scheme provides free LPG connections to women from poor households. It aims to improve their health, reduce indoor air pollution, and empower them by enabling clean cooking fuel access. 

5. Stand Up India: 

• Introduced in 2016, this scheme encourages entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe individuals. It offers bank loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore to set up greenfield enterprises, promoting women’s economic empowerment and self-employment opportunities. 

6. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): 

• While not exclusively for women, this skill development scheme, introduced in 2015, aims to provide industry-relevant training to enhance employability. It has benefited many women by offering skill-development courses in various sectors. 

Legislations to promote gender equality and protect women rights

1. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act): 

• This amendment was passed in 2013, making significant changes to laws concerning sexual offences. The Government established the Nirbhaya Fund to support initiatives addressing women’s safety and empowerment. The fund has been utilised to set up one-stop centres, women’s helplines, and improve infrastructure for women’s safety. 

2. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: 

• This amendment was enacted in 2017, extending the maternity leave period for women working in the organised sector in India from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. This reform recognises the importance of providing adequate time for maternal health and bonding with the child. 

3. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019: 

• This amendment was passed in 2019, strengthening the protection of children from sexual offenses. 

4. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019: 

• It aims to provide legal protection to Muslim women against instant triple talaq (divorce). It criminalised the practice of instant triple talaq (divorce) among Muslim men in India. This reform aimed to protect the rights of Muslim women and ensure gender equality within personal laws. 

5. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: 

• This Act mandates the establishment of internal committees in workplaces to address complaints of sexual harassment and ensure a safe working environment for women. 

Conclusion

• These reforms have played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights and empowerment in India, fostering gender equality, and challenging systemic inequalities. However, it is important to continue working towards creating a society that fully upholds and respects women’s rights in all aspects of life.