Page 16 - NIS English 01-15 March 2022

Cover Story Women Power

Maternity leave increased to 26
weeks. Also, creches were made

mandatory so that working women

do not face any problems.

WOMEN'S PROTECTION: LEGAL SHIELD in the last few years so that every woman can fight
Since the formation of the new government at by being aware of her rights. In the case of violence
the Center in 2014, many efforts have been made against women, the legal provisions have been
related to women's safety. Today there are strict made so stringent and expedetious that in cases
laws on crimes against women in the country. In like rape, justice is being delivered in a few days
heinous cases like rape, a provision has also been instead of years. The strict steps taken by the central
made for capital punishment. Fasttrack courts are government against violence against women have
also being set up across the country and the system also given a safe environment to women's power,
is being revamped to ensure strict compliance which is becoming the basis of the progress of the
with laws. Whether it is to increase the number of nation. In addition to legal protection, the central
women's help desks in police stations, round-the- government has started campaigns to boost the
clock helplines, or portals to deal with cybercrime, dignity of women. Earlier in Jammu and Kashmir,
many such efforts are becoming a shield of women and their children were denied the right to
women's safety. There was a time when the country ancestral property for marrying a non-Kashmiri.
witnessed incidents like the 'Nirbhaya case' but now But after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, the
the present central government is working with the women of this region have got their due. The law
policy of 'zero tolerance' on crime against women. has also been made stricter in cases of overseas
The law against triple talaq has given protection Indians marrying and then abandoning their wives.
and the power to fight against injustice. The Today women of India are independent, financially
importance of this law can be gauged from the fact empowered, equipped with determination, a sense
that in just two years after the implementation of this of security, and fulfilling their dreams which has
law, there has been a reduction of 80 to 82 percent been made possible by Prime Minister Narendra
in the cases of triple talaq, which provides a sense Modi's astute vision.
of self-respect and security to Muslim women. If the Now the birth of the girl is celebrated. Those who
women of the country are able to take a bold step used to say 'Girl is born' with dismay have started
to fight injustice then it has been possible because saying 'Oh wow, Lakshmi has come in the house.' We
of the legal initiatives taken in the last few years by have specially brought out the stories of the women
breaking social taboos. Be it girls, women or elderly achievers which you will find on the following pages
mothers, if they are able to take a bold step to fight to highlight their achievements on International
today, then it is because of the legal initiatives taken Women's Day.

14 New India Samachar March 1-15, 2022