Preamble of the Constitution:

Women granted equal rights to participate effectively in the country’s administration.

Equality Before Law:

• Article 14 emphasizes equality before the law and equal protection.
• Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

Protection from Discrimination:

• Article 15(1) and (2) prevents state discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 15(3) allows for special provisions protecting women and children.
• Article 15(4) enables the state to create arrangements for socially and educationally backward classes.

Equality of Opportunity:

• Article 16 ensures equality of opportunity in matters of employment under the State.
• Article 39 advocates equal rights to livelihood and equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
• Article 39A promotes justice and humane work conditions, including maternity relief.

Fundamental Duty:

• Article 51A (e) urges citizens to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

Reservation in Panchayats and Municipalities:

• Article 243D(3) and Article 243T(3) reserve at least one-third of seats in Panchayats and Municipalities for women, rotated across constituencies.
• Article 243D(4) and 243T(4) reserve not less than one-third of the chairperson positions for women.

Voting Rights/Electoral Law:

• Mandates not less than one-third reservation for women in Panchayat seats.
• Reserves the office of the chairperson in Panchayats for SCs, STs, and women as per state legislation.
• Provides reservation for women in Municipalities.

Legislative Measures for Women’s Rights:

• State-enacted measures to uphold equal rights and counter social discrimination.
• Addressing various forms of violence and atrocities against women.
• Providing support services, particularly for working women.

Crimes Against Women:

• Crimes specifically targeting women classified under this category.
• Encompasses legislative measures to combat and address crimes directed at women.