Objective of the NCW
The National Commission for Women (NCW) plays a pivotal role in advocating for women's rights in India, ensuring their voices are heard in various socio-political arenas. Established with the mandate to review the Constitutional and legal safeguards for women, the NCW seeks to suggest policy amendments and promote gender equality. This structure highlights the Indian government's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and creating a more inclusive society.
Campaign Topics
The scope of NCW's campaigns is wide-ranging, addressing critical issues such as dowry, which remains a contentious social problem linked to gender discrimination. By raising awareness about the detrimental impact of dowry practices on women's well-being and safety, the NCW aims to combat this tradition through legal reforms and community engagement. Additionally, the commission actively advocates for greater representation of women in politics and various professional fields, recognizing that equal participation is essential for achieving true gender equity.
Moreover, the NCW focuses on issues related to religion, emphasizing the importance of protecting women's rights across all faiths and promoting secularism within the context of gender justice. The exploitation of women in the labor market remains another pressing concern, with the commission striving to highlight instances of unfair treatment and unsafe working conditions. Their discussions also extend to policing practices, where they address the systemic abuses women face and emphasize the importance of implementing more supportive and responsive law enforcement protocols.
Publications and Outreach
To inform and engage the public, the NCW publishes a monthly newsletter titled "Rashtra Mahila," which is available in both Hindi and English. This newsletter serves as a vital platform to disseminate information about women's rights issues, ongoing campaigns, and the commission's achievements. It not only raises awareness but also encourages dialogue around women's status in society, thus fostering a collective effort towards advocacy and change. By reaching a diverse audience through bilingual literature, the NCW aims to strengthen its outreach and promote a more informed citizenry regarding women's rights in India.
Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code addresses the issue of adultery by criminalizing the act of a man engaging in sexual relations with a married woman without the consent of her husband. This provision has sparked considerable debate regarding gender equality and the portrayal of women in the context of infidelity. In December 2006 and January 2007, the National Commission for Women (NCW) became embroiled in controversy for its firm stance against amending this section to hold women equally culpable for adultery. The argument for retaining the status quo stems from a belief that women, in these circumstances, are often seen not as offenders but rather as victims of societal and marital pressures.
Further complicating the narrative, Ms. Vyas, a spokesperson for the NCW, contends that labeling women as offenders disregards the systemic issues that often place them in vulnerable positions. Her perspective emphasizes that women may act under coercive circumstances and that punishing them would further perpetuate their victimhood rather than promote accountability in relationships. This viewpoint reflects a broader societal belief that women are primarily affected by men's choices, thus deserving protection rather than punishment.
In addition to their opposition to criminalizing women for adultery, the NCW has sought legislative reforms aimed at empowering women within the marital context. They have advocated for amendments to Section 198 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which currently restricts the ability of women to initiate legal action against unfaithful husbands. The Commission's reforms propose allowing women to file complaints against their husbands for infidelity, closing existing loopholes that favor male plaintiffs in such matters. This initiative aims not only to promote gender equality in the legal framework but also to extend protections for women who may find themselves in precarious relationships.
Moreover, the NCW has been at the forefront of ensuring that women feel secure and valued in unconventional or non-traditional relationships. By recognizing the evolving dynamics of modern partnerships, the Commission seeks to establish legal and social safeguards that protect women from exploitation and emotional distress, irrespective of marital status. Overall, the discussions surrounding Section 497 and the proposals from the NCW highlight the ongoing struggle to balance traditional moral values with contemporary views on gender equality and women's rights.
Mangalore Pub Attack Controversy
In late January 2009, Mangalore witnessed a shocking incident that ignited debates on women's safety and the response of authorities. About forty male members of the right-wing Hindu group, Sri Ram Sena, raided a pub and violently attacked eight women inside. Disturbing footage of the incident depicted the women being physically assaulted; they were punched, dragged by their hair, and roughly thrown out of the establishment. This egregious act not only violated the victims' dignity and safety but also stirred widespread outrage across the country regarding the treatment of women in public spaces.
The National Commission for Women (NCW), an institution tasked with addressing issues related to women's rights in India, faced intense backlash for its handling of the incident. Nirmala Venkatesh, a member of the NCW, was sent to assess the situation in Mangalore. However, her comments during subsequent interviews were met with criticism. Venkatesh suggested that the pub lacked adequate security measures and controversially implied that the assaulted women should have taken steps to protect themselves. She questioned why the women were hesitant to come forward with their accounts if they believed they had done nothing wrong. These remarks sparked significant discontent among women's rights activists and the general public, raising questions about the NCW’s approach to such serious allegations of violence against women.
On February 6, 2009, the NCW announced that they would not accept Venkatesh’s controversial report and decided against sending a new team to Mangalore, which many perceived as a failure to adequately address the issue. This lack of decisive action further compounded the feelings of disillusionment among individuals advocating for women's safety and justice. Eventually, on February 27, 2009, the Prime Minister's Office intervened, leading to Nirmala Venkatesh's removal from her position with the NCW on disciplinary grounds. This decision highlighted the growing recognition of the need for accountability and sensitivity in dealing with cases of violence against women, as well as the imperative for better protective measures in public spaces to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Overview of the Controversy
The Guwahati molestation incident, which took place on July 9, 2012, involved a shocking act of violence against a 17-year-old girl by a group of men outside a pub in Guwahati, India. This heinous act attracted widespread media attention and ignited a nationwide debate about women's safety, the role of law enforcement, and societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. As news of the incident spread, various stakeholders, including women's rights organizations, political figures, and law enforcement agencies, found themselves under scrutiny for their responses to such alarming events.
NCW's Role and Criticism
The National Commission for Women (NCW), an apex statutory body in India, came under significant criticism for its handling of the incident. Alka Lamba, an NCW member, faced backlash after being accused of leaking the name of the minor victim to the media, which is a serious breach of privacy and ethics. As a result of this controversy, Lamba was removed from the fact-finding committee established to investigate the incident while still retaining her position within the commission. This action highlighted the ongoing issues within the NCW regarding accountability and sensitivity towards victims of assault.
Furthermore, NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma's remarks in the wake of the incident raised eyebrows and ignited accusations of victim-blaming. By suggesting that women should "be careful how you dress," Sharma was perceived as shifting the responsibility for the assault onto the victim rather than addressing systemic issues regarding male aggression and the necessity of societal change to ensure women's safety. This response was met with intense criticism from women's rights activists who argued that such statements undermine the seriousness of sexual violence and perpetuate archaic views on gender dynamics.
Calls for Reform
In light of the fallout from the incident and the NCW's handling of the situation, there were renewed calls for a restructuring of the commission. Advocates for women's rights urged the government to reevaluate the composition and functioning of the NCW to better serve the interests of victims and to promote a more proactive approach to preventing gender-based violence. For many activists, the Guwahati molestation controversy served as a catalyst for a broader discussion about women's safety, the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks, and the urgent need for societal change to confront entrenched misogynistic attitudes.
Badaun Rape and Murder Incident
In 2021, the tragic gang rape and murder of a young woman in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, sparked outrage and deep concern across India. This incident not only highlighted the ongoing issue of violence against women in the country but also ignited a debate over the societal attitudes towards such crimes. The National Commission for Women (NCW), an important body tasked with addressing women's rights and safety issues, found itself under fire for their handling of the situation.
The NCW dispatched a two-member delegation to Badaun to engage with the victim's family and gather details for a fact-finding report. However, the comments made by Chandramukhi Devi, one of the delegation's members, incited further controversy. Her statement that part of the blame for the incident rested with the victim for being out at night was widely condemned. As she put it, "A woman should not go out at odd hours under the influence of somebody. I think if she had not gone out in the evening, or had some child along with her, this could have been prevented." Such remarks were immediately criticized by social media users and various celebrities, who argued that victim-blaming only perpetuates the cycle of violence and fails to hold perpetrators accountable.
In the wake of escalating public backlash, Chandramukhi Devi retracted her comments, highlighting the tension between traditional views on women's behavior and the modern fight for women's rights and safety. The incident not only sparked a national conversation on how women are portrayed and treated in society but also underscored the importance of safeguarding legal rights and protections for women, particularly in a country like India, where gender-based violence remains a significant issue. As organizations continue to advocate for better policies and practices, it is essential to promote a culture that empowers women rather than reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Inaction Against Political Leaders
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has faced substantial criticism for its perceived lack of action against political leaders making insensitive remarks towards women, particularly in connection to grave issues such as sexual violence and rape. The complaints against these leaders often escalate, especially during election periods, yet the NCW's response is routinely seen as inadequate, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the organization's mandate to protect women's rights and promote gender equality in the political landscape.
A notable example of this inaction can be traced back to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, who garnered significant media attention due to his controversial statements. In 2010, Yadav made derogatory comments regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, undermining the efforts toward enhancing women's representation in politics. His most infamous statements emerged during an election rally in 2014, where he trivialized rape by saying, "Boys are boys, they make mistakes, why hand them for rape." These remarks not only sparked outrage across various sectors of society but also highlighted a troubling culture of impunity that often surrounds political figures in India.
Despite widespread condemnation and numerous complaints lodged with both the Election Commission and the NCW, no action was taken against Yadav. Remarkably, he remained politically unscathed and was re-elected from the Mainpuri constituency, illustrating a broader pattern where political leaders are rarely held accountable for their misogynistic remarks. This raises critical questions about the commitment of institutions like the NCW to effectively address issues of gender-based violence and the credibility of political mechanisms in addressing such comments.
This situation underscores the urgent need for reform within the political framework and regulatory bodies to ensure that leaders are held responsible for their words and actions. The absence of consequences for such remarks not only diminishes the seriousness of sexual violence against women but also sends a damaging message about the societal acceptance of such attitudes. Ensuring accountability for politically influential individuals is crucial for enhancing the safety and dignity of women in society. The failure to act decisively against objectionable rhetoric could potentially embolden other leaders to make similar remarks, perpetuating a cycle of insensitivity and impunity toward gender-based violence.
State Level Women Commissions
State level women commissions play a critical role in promoting women's rights and addressing issues related to gender discrimination across India. These commissions act as statutory bodies that work towards safeguarding the rights of women, ensuring justice, and advocating for policies that can improve the socio-economic conditions of women in each state. Established by respective state governments, each commission is empowered to recommend and suggest legislative measures to enhance women's status in society.
The leadership of various state level women commissions has seen significant personalities who have been pivotal in furthering the cause of women's empowerment. Notable figures include Jayanti Patnaik, who served as the first chairperson of the Odisha Women Commission from 1992 to 1995, and V. Mohini Giri, who held the position from 1995 to 1998. Other prominent chairpersons have included Girija Vyas, who served two terms, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for women's rights during her time in office.
The established state women commissions cater to all the states and union territories, ensuring that local issues concerning women are addressed effectively. For instance, the Bihar State Women Commission focuses on regional challenges such as domestic violence and dowry. The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has taken significant strides in tackling issues like trafficking and has initiated various awareness programs. Each commission is tasked with receiving complaints from women regarding violations of their rights, investigating these issues, and providing recommendations to local governments for remedial actions.
The commissions also engage in advocacy and awareness-raising activities, working not only at the grassroots level but also collaborating with NGOs, civil societies, and policymakers to influence legislation and public opinion on women's rights. With a structured approach that includes conducting public hearings, workshops, and seminars, these commissions aim to create a supportive environment for women's empowerment and education, contributing to their overall socio-economic development.
Through these dedicated efforts, state level women commissions strive to achieve gender equality and ensure that women's voices are heard in every sphere of public life. As of now, Rekha Sharma serves as the current chairperson of the National Commission for Women, having been in office since August 2018, highlighting the ongoing commitment to advancing women's issues and rights at a national level.