Gurpinder Kumar
Assistant Professor
Centre for Women’s Studies
University of Allahabad,
Prayagraj,
Uttar Pradesh (India)
Abstract
According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, it is a legal point to grant equality to women in the society in all spheres just like male. The Department of Women and Child Development functions well in this field for the proper development of the women and child in India. Women are given a top place in India from the ancient time however they were not given empowerment to participate in all areas. They need to be strong, aware and alert every moment for their growth and development. The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favor of women. Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, Plans and programs have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. India has also ratified various International Conventions and Human Rights instruments committing to secure equal rights of women. Key among them is the ratification of the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1993. Women Empowerment can be referred to as strengthening the social, economic and educational status of women. It means creating an environment where there is no violence or gender discrimination and where women have equal rights in community, society and workplace. Today, there is a rape every 29 minutes, a case of molestation every 15 minutes and a dowry death every 4 hours. This is, inhuman for a nation that prides itself for all the dignity it gives to its women as part of its culture and traditions. Every woman has a right to live, and right to live with dignity and freely. In the present times, various crimes against women are prevalent in India, including be it domestic violence, cruelty, desertion, or stalking, rape, harassment, extortion or other crimes. Though we have laws protecting women in India yet, the women both in Urban and Rural India face constant threats both online and offline and continue to face discrimination or other unfair acts and crimes whether at home or at their workplace.
Key words: Constitution, Equality, Empowerment, Gender, Women.
