Women have historically experienced various atrocities. In India, there are a number of factors that contribute to the physical and mental abuse of women such as patriarchal culture, societal backwardness, unequal social, religious or economic status of women, etc. These reasons play a major role in the inception and enforcement of numerous laws that are formed to defend women’s rights.

Laws developed by the Indian Government to safeguard women are –

(i) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

– This Act aims at ensuring the rights of women who are victims of not only physical violence (by their families or husband), but also other forms of violence such as verbal, emotional, sexual and also psychological abuse.

(ii) The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

– This Act strictly prohibits the giving and taking of dowry.

(iii)   Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

– This Act ensures safety of women from assault and harassment at the workplace.

(iv) Indian Penal Code 1860 – Section 376

– This section stipulates the punishment for the heinous crime – rape.

As far as effectiveness of these law are concerned, it widely varies based on factors such as timely execution, social intervention, awareness, etc. But it’s not all bad; of course, efforts are made to educate women of their rights and to enforce these laws strictly when necessary.