Women's Rights Reforms

Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, or any of them.

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 was a landmark legislation that brought about several reforms in Hindu marriage laws, including the abolition of child marriage, the promotion of widow remarriage, and the granting of property rights to women.

The 21st Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1964, gave women the right to vote.

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was enacted to prohibit the giving and taking of dowry, as well as to provide relief to victims of dowry harassment.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides for protection orders against domestic violence, as well as compensation to victims of domestic violence.

The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1992, made it mandatory for political parties to reserve one-third of seats for women in local bodies.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was enacted to prevent sexual harassment at workplace and to provide a mechanism for redressal of sexual harassment complaints.

The 108th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 2020, made it mandatory for political parties to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament.

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 provides for maternity leave with pay, as well as medical benefits during pregnancy and childbirth.

The 108th Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 2020, made it mandatory for political parties to reserve one-third of seats for women in state legislatures.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in 1990.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 was enacted to protect children from sexual offences and to provide a mechanism for redressal of sexual offences against children.

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 was enacted to prevent trafficking of women and girls, as well as to provide rehabilitation to victims of trafficking.

The 73rd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1992, made it mandatory for political parties to reserve one-third of seats for women in panchayats.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 was enacted to legalize abortion in India and to provide safe and legal abortion services.