Question

Discuss any three gender-related issues. Briefly mention the bills and amendments to deal with them.

Answer 1

1. Gender Inequality and Discrimination:
   1. Issue: Gender inequality remains a major issue in India, affecting women’s access to education, employment, property rights, and leadership roles. Women often face discrimination in wages, promotions, and opportunities.
   2. Laws and Amendments:
      • The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, gives daughters equal rights in ancestral property.
      • The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 ensures that men and women receive equal pay for equal work, helping reduce wage discrimination.
2. Violence Against Women:
   1. Issue: Women in India face widespread violence, including domestic violence, dowry deaths, sexual harassment, acid attacks, and rape. This leads to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
   2. Laws and Amendments:
      • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides legal protection and support for victims of domestic abuse.
      • The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, strengthened laws on rape, stalking, acid attacks, and sexual assault, ensuring stricter punishment for offenders.
      • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 protects women from harassment at workplaces and ensures a safe working environment.
3. Low Political Representation of Women:
   1. Issue: Women are under-represented in political and decision-making bodies like the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. This limits their role in shaping laws and policies.
   2. Laws and Bills:
      • The Women’s Reservation Bill (The Constitution 108th Amendment Bill) seeks to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, ensuring their greater participation in governance.