Women’s Policy

Women’s Policy

The Indian Constitution is enshrined the principle of gender equality in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy. From the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-78) the approach of women’s issues marked the upliftment from welfare to development. The National Commission for Women was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women.

4.1 Social Empowerment of Women

  • Education – Equal access to education for women will be ensured and the special measures will be taken to eliminate discrimination, universalize education, eradicate illiteracy and create a gender-sensitive educational system.
  • Health and Nutrition – The special attention will be given to the needs of women and girl on health and nutrition at all stages of the life. e.g. infant mortality, maternal mortality, early marriage, pregnant and lactating women. In this context, women’s participation will also be ensured in the planning, superintendence and delivery of the system.
  • Drinking Water and Sanitation – Safe drinking water, sewage disposal, toilet facilities and sanitation within accessible reach of households, mainly in rural and urban slums.
  • Housing and Shelter – Providing adequate and safe housing and accommodation for women including single women, bread-winner of the households, working women, students and trainees.
  • Environment – Considering the impact of environmental factors on their livelihoods, women’s participation will be ensured in the conservation of the environment and control of environmental degradation.
  • Science and Technology – Efforts to develop appropriate technologies suited to women’s needs as well as develop scientific temper, awareness, training,communication and information technology to empower them.
  • Violence against Women – All forms of violence like physical and mental, whether at domestic or social levels including tradition, customs, accepted
    practices etc.,

1.2 Policies

Under the Indian Penal Code, Section 354A deals with Sexual Harassment has made this a ‘Cognizable Offense’., i.e. person charged with sexual harassment may be arrested without a warrant. A man committing:

  • Physical contact and explicit sexual overtures
  • A demand for sexual favors
  • Showing pornography against the will of a woman
  • Making sexually colored remarks, shall be guilty of the offence of sexual harassment.

United Social Welfare Trust envisages the great place to work of their women employees pertaining to empowerment, health, environment, safety and ensure free from sexual harassment workplace.