Know About 8 Rights That Safeguard Women

Rights, as defined by the Constitution, are special powers that all citizens of a country are entitled to. But it is a matter of great shame that very few citizens are able to exercise their rights properly. Women, at large, remain unaware of the perks they can get as citizens of India.

Read on to know the 8 rights every Indian woman must be aware of-:

1. Right to Equality

This particular right gives a lot of power to women to fight against gender inequality prevalent in the country. According to this, the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds of sex. Getting equal pay for equal work is another tenet of this right.

2. Right against Harassment At Workplace

This particular right ensures that women are protected from sexual harassment in both public and private sectors. Under this, it is mandatory for every organisation having more than 10 employees to have a sexual harassment committee. The right has broadened its ambit to include insulting, blaming, reprimanding or condemning a female employee in front of other employees as a part of sexual harassment.

3. Right To Anonymity

According to this, victims of sexual assault can conceal their identity if they want to. They do not need to visit the police station. They can give their statements from home.

4. Right against Domestic Violence

The state condemns any form of physical, sexual , mental, verbal or emotional abuse meted out to one's wife, live-in partner or girlfriend.

Also Read: 5 Things You Can Do To End Gender Based Violence

5. Right against Dowry

The act of giving dowry at the daughter's wedding is prohibited in India. Unfortunately, not many families take this into account. Giving dowry is considered to be an act of pride for most Indian families.

6. Right to Monetary Benefits

Maternity Benefits assured by the Maternity Benefit Act (1961) are beneficial for women on a sabbatical for childbirth. This encourages women to join the workforce after delivery.

7. Right against Female Foeticide

The Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT) prohibits the use of any sex-selective techniques facilitating the birth of a child of any particular gender. Awareness of this right can thwart women from going through any mental or physical trauma they are subject to by their family members.

8. Right to Terminate Pregnancy

Following the rules laid down by The Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Act (1974), a woman is permitted to end their pregnancy if it poses a danger to her health.

Shethepeople.Tv interviewed advocate Mayank Mukherjee on why Indian women should be aware of their rights. He says:

"Every woman must be aware of the tools which the law grants her to become empowered and independent. Whether it be in the personal sphere or the professional sphere, women must be aware of the tools available to them to fight discrimination which occurs in their daily lives. It is surprising that at times, the discrimination is so subtle or has become a way of life such  that women (especially from the weaker economic sections) are unaware that they are being discriminated against. In times like these, it is a knowledge of their rights that highlights the discrimination which occurs."