Context: Forty years after the introduction of the domestic violence provision in the Indian Penal Code, women are still at risk of having their complaints dismissed or disbelieved by police and judiciary. About domestic violence Protection of Women from domestic violence Act 2005 (PWDVA): […]
Context: Recently, Union Cabinet approved a scheme as part of PM Modi’s ‘lakhpati didi’ initiative under which the central government will provide drones to as many as 15,000 Women’s Self-Help Groups over the next four years. The scheme would have a financial outlay of […]
Context: A study of over 4 lakh FIRs in Haryana has found that not only are cases of violence against women, in which women are the primary complainants, less likely to be registered and more likely to be dismissed in court or result in […]
Context: A draft menstrual hygiene policy is out by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Need for Menstrual Hygiene Policy policy About draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy Vision Goal Target Objectives Policy strategy
Context: Recently, a three-judge bench of Supreme Court has urged a married woman to reconsider her decision to abort her pregnancy which has crossed twenty-six weeks. Issues with respect to the time frame (twenty-six weeks) for termination of pregnancy: Critical appraisal Way forward
Context: As the International Day of Rural Women approaches, it is disheartening to note that India not only recorded one of the lowest female labour force participation rates (LFPR) in the world, but that it was also lower than other South Asian countries except […]
Context: India’s population has skyrocketed from 340 million at Independence to 1.4 billion, thanks to improved public health and medical advancements. This unexpected decline in mortality has transformed the lives of Indians, especially women, as they navigate longer lifespans and the consequences of fewer […]
Context: This year’s World Population Day theme, i.e., ‘Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities’, could not be more apt for India. When we unlock the full potential of women and girls, […]
Context: Recently, recognising the trauma faced by minor rape victims, the government has decided to provide medical, financial and infrastructural support to victims in cases where sexual assault results in pregnancies. About the scheme As per the rules, it is not mandatory for the […]
Context: From 1951, when the first woman joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), until 2020, women have made up only 13% of all IAS officers. Of 11,569 IAS officers who entered the civil services between 1951 and 2020, only 1,527 were women. Reasons for […]
Context: During the recent visit of the Home Minister to Manipur as violence raged in the state, he met with the Meira Paibis as part of his meetings with various civil society groups. About Meira Paibis Social role of Meira Paibis Major actions were […]
Context: The findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) show that 59.1% of adolescent girls were anaemic. The NFHS-4 numbers also reported over 41.9% of school-going girls as underweight, numbers showcase a worrying trend. Health of adolescent girls Recommended dietary allowances of nutrients […]
Context: Recently Meta and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), launched the Amrit Generation campaign. About the Amrit Generation campaign About Meta
Context: In May, a United Nations report showed that India was among the 10 countries that together accounted for 60% of global maternal deaths, stillbirths and new born deaths. India accounted for over 17% of such deaths in 2020. Reasons for Poor Maternal Health: […]
Reproductive Rights and Population control: The right to reproductive choice means that women have a right to choose whether or not to reproduce, including the right to decide whether to carry or terminate an unwanted pregnancy and the right to choose their preferred method […]
Context: Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) is framed to provide protection to women at workplace against sexual harassment. The Act lays down rules for prevention and redressal of sexual harassment complaints by female workers. Salient […]
Context: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, launched the Centre’s flagship programme ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’, which will focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) at anganwadis across the country. About Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi campaign
Context: In a major development, the Ministry of Defence, Department of Military Affairs, has approved an amendment to existing cadre management provisions for Women Officers of the Territorial Army (TA). About Territorial Army Arguments in favour Military Readiness: Allowing a mixed-gender force keeps the […]
Context: The Delhi High Court has remarked that certain aspects of the PreConception & PreNatal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) (PC & PNDT) Act need reconsideration for effective implementation of the Act. Court also remarked that “the low rate of conviction under the […]
Context: The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned whether a single, unmarried woman having a child through surrogacy is an “accepted norm” in Indian society or not. The act defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending […]