Rights of women restricted in all spheres: NHRC study

Abstract

In the first such study of the Constitution, legislation, schemes, policies, etc, vis-à-vis the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has concluded the rights of women remain restricted in all spheres of life in India, including social, economic and political.

The CEDAW, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 1979, gives all member states a template to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. India ratified CEDAW in 1993.

NHRC ascertained the status of implementation of CEDAW in India and gaps between its articles and Indian provisions that ensure the protection of rights of the women. It examined 33 articles of the Constitution, 54 legislation, 63 policies, reports, schemes, programmes, advisories, memorandums of understanding, rules, and regulations, etc.

“This study gives various recommendations for all the enlisted gaps to guide the law-making and law-implementing agencies and is expected to be of value to the lawmakers, executives, civil society, academicians and students of gender studies, human rights and related disciplines,” said an official, requesting anonymity. [Read More]