Women’s Safety in India

Despite efforts to combat gender-based violence, crimes against women continue to rise. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were registered in India, translating to roughly 51 cases every hour.

·       Domestic Violence: Domestic violence constitutes a significant proportion of crimes against women. The NCRB report reveals that cruelty by husbands or relatives accounts for 31.4% of all reported crimes against women. This reflects the deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate violence within the household.

·       Sexual Assault: Sexual crimes, including rape, represent a severe threat to women’s safety.  NCRB data shows that in 2019, there were over 32,000 reported cases of rape, with many more incidents believed to go unreported due to social stigma and fear of reprisal.

·       Acid Attacks and Harassment: India continues to have one of the highest rates of acid attacks globally. Other forms of harassment, such as stalking, public harassment, and online abuse, have also been on the rise.

·       Human Trafficking: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, involving forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude.

·       Child Marriage: Despite legal restrictions, child marriage continues to be prevalent in many parts of India. According to UNICEF, around 27% of girls in India are married before the age of 18, exposing them to higher risks of violence and exploitation.

·        Increased Vulnerability: The NCRB data also shows a rise in the crime rate per 100,000 women population, jumping from 58.8 in 2018 to 66.4 in 2022.

·        Sense of Fear: A report by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security paints a worrying picture. India ranked a low 128th out of 177 countries in the 2023 Women Peace and Security Index, indicating a decline in women’s perceived safety.

Laws in India that Ensure the Safety of Women

• The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, of 2005: Provides legal protection to women from domestic violence and abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013: Mandates the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment of women at workplaces, ensuring a safe and conducive work environment.
• The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits the giving or receiving of dowry in marriage, aiming to prevent dowry-related violence and exploitation of women.
• The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, of 1986: Prohibits the depiction of women in a derogatory or indecent manner in advertisements, publications, or any form of media.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Prohibits the solemnization of child marriages and provides for the protection and welfare of children, especially young girls, from early marriage.
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: Ensures maternity benefits for women, including paid maternity leave, prenatal and postnatal care, and other maternity-related benefits.
• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971: Regulates the termination of pregnancies to safeguard the health and well-being of women and prevent unsafe abortions.
• The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, of 1956: Addresses the trafficking of women and girls for prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation, providing for preventive and punitive measures against trafficking offenders.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, of 2006: Seeks to prevent the solemnization of child marriages and provides for the protection and welfare of children, especially young girls, from early marriage.
• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Protects the rights of women and children, including victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, and ensures their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Provides for the protection of children from sexual offenses, including sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation, and ensures speedy investigation and trial of such cases.
• The Prohibition of Trafficking of Persons Act, 2018: Addresses trafficking in persons, including women and children, for various forms of exploitation, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking.
• The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Ensures equal pay for equal work for men and women, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender in matters of wages and employment.
• The National Commission for Women Act, 1990: Establishes the National Commission for Women (NCW) to safeguard and promote the rights and interests of women, including investigating complaints of gender-based discrimination and violence.
• The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994: Prohibits sex determination and selective abortion of female fetuses, aiming to prevent gender-based sex selection and skewed sex ratios.
• The Hindu Succession Act, of 1956: Provides for equal inheritance rights for women in Hindu Undivided Families, ensuring that daughters have equal rights to ancestral property.
• The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019: Criminalizes the practice of triple talaq (instant divorce) and provides penalties for offenders, safeguarding the rights and dignity of Muslim women.
• The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Introduces amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act to enhance punishment for sexual offenses and improve legal procedures for investigating and prosecuting such crimes.
• The Domestic Violence Rules, 2006: Provide guidelines for the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, including procedures for filing complaints, obtaining protection orders, and accessing support services.
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: This law provides for maternity leave and other benefits for women employees, promoting the health and well-being of pregnant and nursing mothers in the workforce.

Societal Attitudes and Cultural Barriers to Women’s Safety

The Role of Patriarchal Norms

• Patriarchy continues to shape social norms, dictating acceptable behaviors for women and legitimizing male control over female autonomy. These norms are often reinforced by family structures, religious beliefs, and community practices, limiting women’s freedom and increasing their vulnerability to violence.

Stigma and Underreporting of Crimes

• Many crimes go unreported due to societal stigma, fear of retribution, or lack of trust in the justice system. Women may fear being blamed for the violence, ostracized by their communities, or face backlash from their families, resulting in underreporting that hampers efforts to address the issue effectively.

Lack of Gender Sensitivity and Awareness

• A lack of gender sensitivity and awareness among law enforcement officials, judiciary members, and society at large often results in inadequate responses to violence against women. Victim-blaming attitudes and gender biases continue to hinder women’s access to justice.

Lack of Financial Independence

• A lack of economic independence further cripples women’s ability to protect themselves from abuse and harassment. Despite legal frameworks, most women are not entitled to a share in property, due to established social norms. Also, women’s participation in the labour force is mostly in the informal economy, which gives them little access to social protection.

Women at workplace

• In the workplace too, women face a higher risk of gender violence. Data tells us that women’s quest for financial independence actually seems to augment their risk of facing harassment within professional settings. This, despite the existence of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

Steps taken by the Indian Government to ensure Safety in India

Some major schemes, steps, and initiatives provided by the Government of India to support women:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: Launched to address gender imbalance and improve the status of girls, this scheme focuses on promoting the value of girl child education and empowering women.
• Mahila E-Haat: An online platform created by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to enable women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services.
• National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan): Aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through targeted interventions and awareness programs.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides financial assistance to pregnant women for their first living child, encouraging them to seek adequate nutrition and healthcare during pregnancy.
• Ujjwala Scheme: Provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, promoting clean cooking fuel and improving the health and safety of women and children.
• One-Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme: Provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, including medical, legal, and counseling services, to facilitate their recovery and rehabilitation.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A savings scheme aimed at promoting the financial security and education of girl children, offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
• Nari Shakti Puraskar: An annual award conferred by the President of India to recognize exceptional achievements and contributions made by women and organizations in various fields.
• Swadhar Greh Scheme: Provides temporary shelter, food, and support services to women in distress, including victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and homelessness.
• Gender Budgeting: The government allocates funds specifically for schemes and programs that benefit women, ensuring that their needs and priorities are adequately addressed in the national budget.
• Women Helpline Scheme: Offers 24/7 toll-free helpline services for women in need of assistance.
• 112 Number for Women’s Safety: However, 112 Mobile numbers can be used by any of both genders at any time. But, this is also one of the great helpline numbers that can help India to ensure Women safety.
• Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme: Trains women volunteers to assist law enforcement agencies and create a safer environment for women.
• NIRBHAYA Fund: A central fund for initiatives related to improving women’s safety.
• Working Women Hostel Scheme: Provides safe and affordable accommodation for working women.
• Stand Up India (SUI): Facilitates bank loans for women entrepreneurs.
• STEP (Support to Training and Employment Program for Women): Provides vocational training and skill development for women.
• Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK): One-stop centers at the village level delivering various government services to women.
• Nari Shakti Puraskar: Awards recognizing exceptional work by women in various fields.
• Mission Shakti: An umbrella scheme for integrated women’s empowerment programs.
• Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme: Provides childcare facilities for working mothers.
• Women on Wheels by Kerala Government: The “Women on Wheels” program in Kerala focuses on empowering women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, by training them to become professional drivers.

Recommended Actions for Women’s Safety in India

• Better Implementation of Laws: Strengthen the enforcement of existing laws through improved training for law enforcement, faster judicial processes, and strict accountability.
• Fast-Track Courts and Gender Sensitization: Set up fast-track courts for serious crimes like rape, and implement gender sensitization programs in schools, colleges, and workplaces to tackle the root causes of violence.
• Enhanced Survivor Support and Economic Empowerment: Improve support systems for survivors, including counseling and financial aid. Promote women’s economic independence through education, skills training, and employment.
• Use of Technology and Media Responsibility: Use technology to track crimes effectively and promote responsible media reporting.

• Moreover, women’s safety fosters family well-being, social cohesion, and national progress. When women feel secure, they contribute positively to society, building stronger communities and promoting the nation’s development. A safe environment for women reflects a society’s commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, enhancing its global standing