India has made significant strides in women’s empowerment through various laws. These laws address various challenges faced by women, covering areas such as violence, workplace rights, property rights, and reproductive health. Knowing these laws is crucial for every woman to ensure her rights are protected and to foster a more equitable society.
A Seat at the Table: The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that every listed company and every other public company having paid–up share capital of one hundred crore rupees or more; or turnover of three hundred crore rupees or more, must include at least one-woman Director. This requirement promotes gender diversity and ensures women have a voice in corporate decision-making and encourages companies to include women in leadership roles. Companies that do not comply can be imposed with penalties to enforce compliance with the gender diversity mandate.
Equal Pay for Equal Work: The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 guarantees women equal pay for equal work or similar work compared to men. The law states that employers cannot pay women less than men for the same job based on their gender and prohibits discrimination against women in hiring, promotions, training, or transfers. This promotes fairness and equal opportunities for women in the workplace.
Respectful Representation: The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 aims to prohibit any disrespectful or inappropriate portrayal of women in advertisements, publications, books, writings, paintings, figures, drawings, photographs or any other forms of media. It strictly prohibits the publication or display of advertisements that depict women indecently, as well as the production, sale, distribution, or circulation of books, films, or any other materials containing indecent representations of women. Exceptions exist for content with public good or religious purpose, ensuring a balance between freedom of expression and respect for women.
Safe Workplaces: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 states no woman should face harassment at her workplace. This law protects women from any form of sexual harassment, including creating a hostile environment or threats related to employment. Women can file complaints with the internal complaints committee of the local complaints committee, as the case may be, within three months from the date of incident. The law also protects their privacy by prohibiting publication of details.
Balancing Work and Motherhood: The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961act provides crucial benefits to working mothers. Key provisions include an entitlement to maternity benefit leave for a maximum of twenty-six weeks. Further, women are also entitled to a maternity leave in case of miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, for a period of six weeks from the date of miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, payment of medical bonus if no pre-natal confinement and post-natal care is provided for by the employer free of charge, and mandatory creches in larger workplaces/organisations.
Further, it prohibits dismissal of a woman during her absence from the workplace due to pregnancy. This allows women to focus on motherhood while having job security & support and acknowledges the challenges of motherhood and aids women in their transition back to work.
Conclusion
Understanding and leveraging these women-centric laws is crucial for fostering an environment where women can exercise their rights and pursue their ambitions without discrimination or fear. By being aware of these legislations, women can claim their rights, seek redressal when necessary, and contribute meaningfully to society. Remember, knowledge is power, and these laws are tools to help you thrive!
Shared by: Archana Khosla Burman
Founder Partner
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