Syllabus: GS1/Social Issues
In News
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was recently observed with the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”.
Background
- In 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, laying the foundation for global action.
- In 2000, the UN officially designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, encouraging governments, international bodies, and NGOs to hold annual awareness activities worldwide.
Present status and Issues
- Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread human rights violations, with nearly one in three women globally experiencing physical or sexual violence, and one woman or girl killed every 10 minutes by an intimate partner or family member.
- Online abuse is rapidly growing, targeting women in politics, activism, and journalism.
- The rise of such violence is driven by weak regulation, lack of legal recognition, impunity of platforms, evolving AI-enabled abuse, anti-gender equality movements, anonymity of perpetrators, and limited support for victims.
India’s Fight to End Violence Against Women: Laws and Legislations
- National Commission for Women (NCW), established in January 1992: Monitors legal safeguards, handles complaints online and offline, and runs a 24×7 domestic violence helpline.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA): Defines domestic violence broadly, covering physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse.
- POSH Act, 2013: Ensures workplace safety through Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs). MWCD’s SHe-Box centralises complaint reporting and tracking.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (effective July 1, 2024): Replaces the IPC, strengthens penalties for sexual offences (including life imprisonment for rape of minors), expands definitions, and mandates audio-video recording of victim statements.
Major Schemes and Support Services
- Mission Shakti: A mission-mode programme enhancing women’s safety, security, and empowerment across their life cycle.
- Swadhar Greh Scheme: Provides shelter, food, legal aid, counselling, and rehabilitation for women in difficult circumstances.
- One Stop Centres (OSCs): District-level hubs offering integrated services — police support, medical aid, legal assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter.
- Stree Manoraksha: NIMHANS-led training for OSC staff on psychosocial and mental health support.
- Helplines & Emergency Response: Women Helpline 181 (24×7 nationwide support).
- Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 for police, fire, and ambulance services.
- WhatsApp helpline (7217735372) for urgent assistance.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- India is strengthening its response to gender-based violence through Mission Shakti’s One Stop Centres, Women Help Desks, and helplines, alongside legal reforms like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and digital tools and the Digital Shakti Campaign.
- These measures aim to ensure accessible reporting, survivor support, and faster justice, reflecting India’s commitment to a safer, inclusive environment where women and girls can live with dignity and equality both offline and online.
Source :PIB
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