Unit 3: Gender Issues and Provisions F.Y.BEd Course

Unit 3: Gender Issues and Provisions F.Y.BEd Course

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  GENDER SCHOOL AND SOCIETY Unit3 Rejosha Rajendran
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  UNIT 3: GenderIssues and Provisions A) Gender-Related Issues in Society B) Sexual Abuse and Cyber Bullying C) C) National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001)
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  A) Gender-Related Issuesin Society Dowry System Meaning •A social practice where the bride’s family gives money, gifts, gold, vehicles, or property to the groom’s family before or during marriage. •Though illegal under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, the practice still continues in many parts of India. Causes •Patriarchal mindset: belief that the girl is a financial burden. •Social prestige: families think giving dowry increases social status. •Marriage market: higher dowry demanded for “well-settled” grooms. •Lack of awareness and fear of social rejection.
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  Effects •Severe financial pressureon the bride’s family. •Harassment, domestic violence, torture of women after marriage. •Dowry deaths and burn cases. •Female foeticide/infanticide because girls are considered an “expense”. •Decrease in women’s self-worth and dignity. Legal Provisions •Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 – prohibits giving, taking, or demanding dowry. •Section 304B IPC – dowry death punishable with imprisonment. •Section 498A IPC – cruelty by husband or family is punishable. Example •Bihar, UP, and Rajasthan have the highest recorded dowry-related crimes.
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  Workplace Discrimination Meaning Unequal andunfair treatment of women in offices, industries, fields, and professional spaces based only on gender. Types of Discrimination •Unequal pay: Women being paid less for the same work. •Glass ceiling effect: Women are not promoted beyond a certain level. •Occupational segregation: Women pushed into “soft jobs” like teaching, nursing; men dominate technical/leadership roles. •Sexual harassment: Unsafe work environment. •Pregnancy discrimination: Employers avoid hiring/promoting pregnant women. •Work–family pressure: Women expected to manage job + home alone (double burden).
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  Effects •Lower confidence andjob satisfaction. •Mental stress and burnout. •Decrease in women’s participation in workforce. •Economic growth slows because women’s talent is not utilised. Legal Provisions •Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 – equal pay for equal work. •Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended 2017) – 26-week paid leave, crèche facility. •Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH) – mandatory Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in offices. Example •Only a small percentage of women become CEOs or top leaders in major Indian companies.
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  B) Sexual Abuseand Cyber Bullying Sexual Abuse Meaning Any unwanted sexual activity forced on a person. It includes verbal comments, touching, exploitation, or physical assault. Forms •Child sexual abuse – touching, showing obscene material, exploitation. •Rape and molestation – forced sexual contact. •Workplace harassment – comments, gestures, physical contact. •Marital rape – non-consensual sex within marriage. •Online sexual exploitation – sharing or demanding explicit content.
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  Causes •Power imbalance, patriarchalmindset. •Lack of awareness about consent. •Victim-blaming culture discourages reporting. •Weak implementation of laws. Effects •Psychological trauma, depression, PTSD. •Social stigma and isolation. •Fear and loss of trust. •Impact on studies, career, relationships. Protection Laws •POCSO Act, 2012 – protects children; fast-track courts. •POSH Act, 2013 – for workplace harassment. •Criminal Law Amendment, 2013 & 2018 – stricter punishment for rape, stalking, voyeurism.
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  Cyber Bullying Meaning Bullying, threatening,harassing, or hurting someone through digital means such as social media, messaging apps, emails, videos, etc. Forms •Online threats and abusive messages. •Fake profiles, identity theft. •Sharing morphed images or personal photos. •Posting rumours and defamation. •Cyber stalking and blackmail. •Revenge pornography.
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  Protection Laws •IT Act2000 • Section 66A: sending offensive messages. • Section 67: publishing obscene material. • Section 67B: protection of children. •Indian Penal Code • Sections 354A, 354D (stalking), 509 (insult to modesty). •Cyber Crime Cells in every district. Effects •Anxiety, depression, fear of going online. •Social withdrawal. •Loss of self-esteem. •Poor academic performance. •In extreme cases, self-harm.
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  C) National Policyfor the Empowerment of Women (2001) Objectives •To bring gender equality in all spheres—education, healthcare, economy, politics. •Strengthen legal systems that protect women. •Provide equal access to decision-making. •Eliminate discrimination and violence. •Ensure women’s participation in national development.
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  Major Provisions 1. Educationand Skill Development •Free and compulsory education for girls. •Vocational training and skill upgradation for employment. •Special scholarships and hostel facilities. 2. Health and Nutrition •Focus on maternal health, anaemia reduction. •Reproductive health services and awareness. •Nutrition programmes through ICDS and mid-day meals. 3. Economic Empowerment •Encouraging women’s participation in the workforce. •Access to loans through banks, SHGs, and microfinance. •Support for women entrepreneurs through schemes like • STEP, • Nai Roshni, • Mahila E-Haat.
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  4. Violence Prevention •Strictimplementation of laws against dowry, trafficking, domestic violence. •One-stop centres, helplines (1091, 181). •Counselling centres and shelter homes (Swadhar Greh). 5. Political Empowerment •33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. •Training women representatives for leadership roles. •Encouraging participation in assemblies and parliament. 6. Legal Rights •Reform in family laws, property laws, inheritance laws. •Awareness campaigns about legal rights. 7. Support Services •Safe transportation, workplace crèches, childcare centres. •Women’s cells in schools, colleges, and institutions.
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  Significance of thePolicy •Establishes a national commitment to gender equality. •Provides a roadmap for government, NGOs, and institutions. •Helps integrate women into mainstream development. •Encourages social change by reducing stereotypes. •Ensures that women’s issues are addressed systematically.