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Exploitation of Women, Challenges, Implications, Judicial Interventions

Context: The release of the Hema committee report has sparked a wider discussion on gender inequality and the need for improved workplace conditions for women.

Key Issues Addressed in the Hema Committee Report

  • Sexual Exploitation and Assault: The report reveals that women in the film industry are often required to exchange sexual favours for career opportunities.
    • Those who refuse to cooperate are frequently sidelined by powerful men in the industry.
  • Discriminatory Practices and Lack of Facilities: The report highlights discriminatory practices against women, including the lack of basic facilities in the workplace.

What are Challenges to Women Safety?

  • Women face stereotypes and societal expectations that often undermine their autonomy and dignity.
  • Despite the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, India still faces widespread sexual harassment and exploitation of women at work.
    • Example: The NCRB report 2022 highlighted that over 400 cases have been reported annually since 2018, with an average of 445 cases per year.
  • Inadequate infrastructure such as poorly lit streets and inadequate public transport contribute to harassment and assaults.
  • Victim-blaming attitudes deter women from reporting crimes. Women frequently encounter stigma and blame from their communities and even law enforcement.
  • Substance abuse is associated with higher rates of violence against women, with many incidents involving perpetrators under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • The inefficiencies within the justice system, including prolonged legal processes and lenient punishments for sexual offenders, erode public trust in law enforcement and leave survivors feeling unsupported.
  • The lack of prompt FIR registration, delays in investigations, and ineffective forensic evidence collection further prolong the conviction process leaving survivors of sexual harassment without timely justice.
Facts
  • According to the Women, Peace, and Security Index 2023, India ranks 128th out of 177 countries.
  • According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), around 30% of women in India between 15-49 years of age have experienced physical, sexual or domestic violence.
Crimes Against Women – National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) 2022 Report
Overall Crime Statistics (2022)

  • A total of 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were registered in India, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year.
  • On average, nearly 51 FIRs were filed every hour.
  • The crime rate against women was recorded at 66.4 per lakh population.
  • The charge sheet filing rate stood at 75.8%.

Types of Crimes:

  • Cruelty by Husband or Relatives: This category accounted for 31.4% of all cases.
  • Kidnapping and Abduction: Constituted 19.2% of the cases.
  • Assault with Intent to Outrage Modesty: Represented 18.7% of the cases.
  • Rape: Reported in 7.1% of the cases.
  • Sexual Violence: In 2016, incidents of sexual violence against women peaked at nearly 39,000.
  • Rape Incidents: 31,516 cases of rape were reported in India in 2022, equating to a reported rape every 16 minutes.
  • Sexual Harassment at Work: Over 400 cases have been reported annually since 2018, with an average of 445 cases per year.
  • Juvenile Involvement: Juveniles were implicated in 86 cases of rape and 68 cases of outraging modesty.

State-wise Data (2022):

  • Delhi: Recorded the highest crime rate against women at 144.4 per lakh population, with 14,247 cases reported.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Registered the highest number of cases with 65,743 FIRs, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Implications of Crimes Against Women

  • Crimes against women contribute to India’s persistently low female workforce participation rates, as safety concerns dissuade many women from entering or remaining in the workforce.
  • Men often discourage women in their families from pursuing financial or social independence through jobs or careers.
  • Victims of sexual violence frequently suffer severe physical injuries, leading to long-term health issues such as chronic pain, reproductive problems, and a heightened risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
  • Children who witness violence against their mothers are at risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems. They may also become victims of abuse themselves, perpetuating a cycle of violence across generations.
Various Legal Frameworks Related to Women’s Safety in India
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:

  • Based on the Vishakha Guidelines by the Supreme Court, this Act aims to ensure a safe working environment for women.
  • It requires organizations with more than 10 employees to establish Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and defines sexual harassment while outlining procedures for filing and investigating complaints.
  • The Act provides a comprehensive structure to prevent and address sexual harassment at the workplace, ensuring protection and redressal for women.

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act):

  • This Act strengthens penalties for sexual offenses, introduces the death penalty for repeat rape offenders, and enhances protections for survivors.
  • It includes stricter definitions and punishments for crimes such as rape, stalking, and harassment, and introduces new offenses like stalking and voyeurism.
  • The minimum sentence for rape was increased from seven to ten years.
  • The 2018 amendment further imposed stricter penalties, including the death penalty for the rape of a girl under 12 years old, and mandated that investigations and trials be completed within two months each.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012:

  • POCSO addresses sexual offences against children, providing punishments for perpetrators and establishing a support system for victims.
  • It outlines improved methods for catching offenders and offers comprehensive protections for child victims.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: This Act seeks to prevent child marriages, which disproportionately affect young girls, by setting the legal marriage age at 18 for women and 21 for men.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: A landmark law that provides a broad definition of domestic violence and offers civil remedies to protect women from abuse within the home.

Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: This Act prohibits the indecent representation of women in various forms, including advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or any other manner, and addresses related matters.

Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITP), 1956: Aimed at preventing the commercialization of vices and trafficking of women, this Act prohibits running brothels and soliciting, while recognizing the legality of engaging in prostitution itself.

Judicial Interventions in Women’s Rights and Safety

  • Joseph Shine vs. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court decriminalized adultery.
  • Independent Thought vs. Union of India (2017): This ruling criminalized marital rape for girls under 18, closing a significant loophole in child protection laws and ensuring better legal protection for minors.
  • Laxmi vs. Union of India (2014): The Supreme Court directed central and state governments to regulate acid sales and improve compensation and medical treatment for survivors.
  • Delhi Gang Rape Case (Nirbhaya Case) (2012): This case prompted significant amendments to India’s criminal laws, introducing harsher penalties for sexual offences.
  • Lillu vs. State of Haryana (2013): The Supreme Court ruled that the two-finger test, used to assess rape survivors, violates their right to privacy, physical and mental integrity, and dignity, and should not be used.
  • CEHAT vs. Union of India and Others (2003): The Court issued directions for the proper implementation of the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act of 1994, emphasizing that sex-selective abortion is a heinous act and a form of violence against women.
  • Vishakha and Others vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): This landmark judgment established the “Vishakha Guidelines” to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace, creating a framework for employers to address and prevent harassment.Way Forward
  • Enhanced Support Systems for Survivors: Expand and improve support systems for survivors of violence, including access to counselling services, rehabilitation programs, and economic assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
  • Strengthening Law Implementation: Improve the enforcement of existing laws and policies through better training for law enforcement, streamlining judicial processes, and ensuring accountability at all levels.
  • Fast-Track Courts: Establish fast-track courts for serious offences like rape, as recommended by the Justice Verma Committee, and enhance punishments for such crimes. Increase women’s representation in the judiciary.
  • Economic Empowerment for Women: Promote women’s economic independence through education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Financial autonomy can help reduce women’s vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
  • Ensure that streets, especially in high-risk areas, are well-lit to deter potential offenders and increase the sense of safety for women.
  • Establishing Rape Crisis Centres, similar to those in countries like Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
    • These centers would offer comprehensive support to survivors, including immediate medical assistance, psychological counseling, and financial help through job opportunities and other resources.

Conclusion

  • The Justice K. Hema Committee report has brought to light serious issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, echoing larger societal problems of gender inequality, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination.
  • The report advocates for independent mechanisms to address these issues and calls for structural reforms that could pave the way for greater gender equality and protection for women in the workplace. The government’s role in driving these changes is critical to the success of these initiatives.

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