Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

Female Foeticide and Infanticide Issues

  • Despite legislative efforts, social evils like female foeticide and infanticide emerged in some states.
  • Tamil Nadu example: Gita Aravamundan’s survey in Uslampatti revealed instances of female infanticide.
  • Tamil Nadu faced allegations of killing newborn girls due to fear of dowry.
  • Punjab example: Anurag Agrwal’s survey indicated a low female sex ratio, with examples of female foeticide.
  • Social and economic factors led to the killing of female fetuses, affecting the sex ratio.
  • Instances where mothers were involved in female foeticide under the influence of in-laws or husbands.
  • Despite awareness of ultrasound technology, mothers consented to abortions based on gender preferences.
  • Modern empowerment of women coexisting with the disempowerment of female children through female foeticide.
  • Urgent need for serious consideration and solutions to address these issues in society.

Q. Assess the progression of women’s rights and status in India across historical periods and evaluate the impact of legislative measures, Supreme Court judgments, and government schemes on women’s empowerment, with a special focus on the Women Reservation Act 2023.

Introduction The trajectory of women’s rights and status in India narrates a complex journey from ancient periods, through various legislative and social reforms, to the landmark legislative measure of the Women Reservation Act 2023. This evolution reflects a continuous struggle for equality and empowerment amidst societal, cultural, and legal challenges.
Body Historical Progression:

  • Ancient and Medieval Periods: Women in ancient India enjoyed a high status, actively participating in religious and social affairs. However, their status declined over time due to societal norms influenced by texts like Manusmriti, leading to practices such as Sati and child marriage.
  • The medieval period saw further deterioration in women’s rights, with the introduction of Purdah and Jauhar.
  • Colonial and Post-Independence Era: The British colonial period and the subsequent years after independence were marked by significant efforts towards women’s education and legal rights. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and legislative measures such as the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856, aimed to improve women’s societal status. The post-independence era saw the Indian Constitution providing a framework for equality and non-discrimination, leading to progressive laws concerning marriage, dowry, and property rights.

Impact of Legislative Measures and Supreme Court Judgments:

  • Legislative reforms such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, regulate practices affecting women’s autonomy and health.
  • Supreme Court judgments like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan established guidelines for protecting women from sexual harassment at the workplace, demonstrating the judiciary’s role in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.

Government Schemes for Women’s Empowerment:

  • Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana address gender-based prejudices and aim to improve education and financial security for girls.
  • Schemes such as Ujjawala and Swadhar Greh focus on preventing trafficking and supporting victims, indicating a holistic approach towards empowering women socially and economically.

Special Focus on Women Reservation Act 2023:

  • The Women Reservation Act 2023 marks a significant milestone, reserving one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
  • This legislative measure aims to enhance women’s representation in political decision-making, addressing historical underrepresentation and advocating for gender equality in governance.
Conclusion The Women Reservation Act 2023 exemplifies this commitment, promising a new era of political empowerment for women. While challenges persist, these initiatives collectively forge a path towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
Scroll to Top