Women’s Empowerment Through Recent Amendments!

Introduction

Women in India have long struggled to be heard and to get justice when it comes to crimes committed against them. However, in recent years, the government has made significant strides in recognizing and protecting women’s rights through various amendments to the law.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most important recent amendments and their impact on women’s empowerment:

One of the most significant changes made in recent years was the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2018. This amendment aimed to make anti-rape laws more stringent and provide a safer environment for women. The Act increased the punishment for rape from a minimum of 7 years to a minimum of 10 years, introduced a minimum of 20 years imprisonment for the rape of a girl less than 16 years of age, and even allowed for the death penalty in certain extreme cases.

The amendment also introduced maternity benefits for rape victims and mandated speedy investigations and trials. </br> Another crucial amendment was the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019. This act declared the practice of ‘Triple Talaq’ (instant divorce) as unconstitutional and void and made it a cognizable offence punishable by up to three years imprisonment with a fine. The act also entitled Muslim women to seek subsistence allowance and custody of minor children and made the offence compoundable with the permission of the magistrate. This legislation was a major step towards ensuring justice and equality for all women, regardless of religion. </br>

In addition to these amendments, the government has also incentivized the employment of more women in the formal sector and enabled higher take-home wages through amendments to the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952. Women employees’ contribution to the fund was reduced to 8% for the first three years of their employment, which can help break the glass ceiling and enable women to earn more and become financially independent. </br>

These amendments have had a significant impact on women’s empowerment in India. They have increased awareness of women’s rights and regulations surrounding rape and other forms of violence against women. They have also provided survivors with quicker and more efficient justice, acting as a deterrent for potential offenders. Moreover, these amendments have helped Muslim women receive the protection and justice they deserve and enabled more women to enter the formal sector and earn higher wages.

Conclusion

While much work remains to be done, the recent amendments made by the government are a major step towards a more just and equitable society for women. It is crucial that we continue to stay up-to-date on these changes and spread awareness about women’s rights and the need for gender equality. If you have any queries or need assistance regarding these issues, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@tygarlaw.com