Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Start with a brief introduction about the National Commission for Women (NCW) and its establishment. Highlight the mandate and mission of the NCW in promoting and protecting women's rights in India. Mention the challenges faced by NCW. Propose Recommendations for Improvement. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. Its mandate is to safeguard and promote the rights and interests of women in India, addressing both public and private sphere issues.

Body

Role and Functions

• Initial Objectives: The objectives included reviewing legal and constitutional safeguards for women, recommending remedial legislative measures, facilitating redressal of grievances, and advising the government on all policy matters affecting women.
• Advisory Role: The NCW advises the government on policy matters affecting women. For example, the NCW has been instrumental in advocating for stronger laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment.
• Legal Intervention: The NCW reviews laws and proposes amendments. Notable interventions include advocating for amendments to the Dowry Prohibition Act and the introduction of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
• Awareness Programs: The NCW conducts awareness programs across India. Campaigns like "Saksham" focus on women's empowerment through skill development, while "Mahila Suraksha" aims at enhancing women's safety.
• Legislative Advocacy: The NCW played a significant role in the passage of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, which provides protection to women from domestic violence. Similarly, the NCW's efforts were crucial in framing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Campaigns and Programs: The "Mahila Jan Sunwai" (Public Hearings) is one such initiative where the NCW addresses grievances directly from women. The NCW has also launched the "She Box" online complaint management system for cases of sexual harassment.
• Research and Studies: The NCW conducts various studies to understand and highlight issues faced by women. For instance, their studies on gender-based violence provide data that helps shape policies and initiatives.

Challenges Faced by NCW

• Limited Powers: The NCW primarily has an advisory role and lacks enforcement powers, which limits its effectiveness in implementing recommendations.
• Funding and Resources: Inadequate funding and resources have been a significant challenge, limiting the reach and impact of the NCW’s initiatives.
• Coordination with States: There are often coordination issues with state-level commissions and other local bodies, which hampers the NCW’s ability to address issues uniformly across the country.
• Political Influence: The NCW has faced criticism for being perceived as politically influenced and bureaucratic. For example, there have been instances where the NCW's actions were seen as aligning with the ruling party’s agenda rather than addressing women's issues impartially.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Empowering NCW: To enhance its effectiveness, the NCW should be granted more statutory powers and autonomy, enabling it to enforce its recommendations.
• Increased Funding: Allocating more resources and funding to the NCW will allow it to expand its programs and initiatives.
• Strengthening Coordination: Improving coordination between the NCW and state commissions, as well as with NGOs and other stakeholders, will ensure a more unified and effective approach to women's issues.
• Focus on Grassroots Issues: The NCW should engage more with women at the community level to address grassroots issues comprehensively.

Conclusion

The NCW plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the rights of women in India. Despite its challenges, the Commission has made significant strides in legislative advocacy, awareness programs, and addressing grievances. Strengthening the NCW through increased powers, resources, and better coordination can further enhance its capacity to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in India.