The National Commission for Women (NCW) recently reported a worrying 46% increase in complaints of crimes against women during the first eight months of 2021 compared to the same period last year. Established in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, NCW’s primary objective is to ensure women achieve equality and participate equally in all aspects of life.
Continuous Cycle of Crimes Against Women in India
In October 2020, the Supreme Court acknowledged the ongoing cycle of crimes against women in India. There are numerous forms of crime heads that include offenses against the right to live with dignity, domestic violence, harassment of married women or dowry harassment, outraging modesty of women, molestation, rape, attempted rape, and cybercrimes.
State-Wise Data on Crimes against Women
Among states, Uttar Pradesh recorded the most complaints (10,084), followed by Delhi (2,147), Haryana (995), and Maharashtra (974).
Violence against Women: An Interconnected Issue
The United Nations defines violence against women as an act causing or potentially causing physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women. This problem touches various areas such as social, economic, developmental, legal, educational, human rights, and health issues.
The Escalation of Violence Against Women during Covid-19
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, emerging data and front-line reports reveal a significant increase in all types of violence against women, particularly domestic violence.
The Root Causes for Violence against Women
Gender disparity is a key factor behind violence against women. Other factors include non-retaliation, lack of comprehensive laws protecting women’s rights, ignorance of existing statutes, and societal attitudes. Stigma and societal conditioning also heightens women’s vulnerability to domestic violence, making under-reporting a significant issue.
Impacts of Violence Against Women
The adverse consequences of violence against women extend to psychological, sexual, reproductive health affecting women at all life stages. These adversities cause educational disadvantages, reduced access to higher education, and limited opportunities for women in the job market.
Global Initiatives to Combat Violence Against Women
A new multi-year initiative named The Spotlight Initiative by the European Union and the United Nations aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women. Coinciding with this, November 25th is celebrated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. UN Women is a dedicated entity for promoting gender equality and empowering women.
Indian Initiatives for Women’s Rights
India’s Constitution provides several safeguards for women, including the right to equality, prohibition of discrimination based on gender, and special provisions favoring women. There are several legislative frameworks like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
The Way Forward
Violence against women remains a formidable barrier to achieving equality, development, peace, and the fulfillment of women’s human rights. Resolving crimes against women requires not just judicial intervention, but also a holistic approach involving multiple stakeholders like lawmakers, police officers, forensic departments, prosecutors, judiciary, medical & health departments, NGOs, and rehabilitation centers.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024