Rights of Women & Women Empowerment in India

The rights of women are human rights. Women have faced historical discrimination, and various legal and social measures have been taken to address this. In India, the Constitution guarantees equality to women (Article 14) and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (Article 15). Important legislation includes the Dowry Prohibition Act (1961), the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005), and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013). Women's empowerment goes beyond legal protection — it involves enabling women to make decisions about their own lives, participate in the economy, access education, and engage in political processes. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila Shakti Kendras, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have contributed significantly to women's empowerment. The National Commission for Women (NCW) serves as the apex body for women's rights in India.