I’ve likely achieved my goal if a woman is reading this. Here is something you would definitely need in your life if not for yourself than for somebody you know. If you don’t face such a situation I swear life is kind enough for you my girl! Having a life free of such hustle is a basic right and every girl deserves it but you see the world is not just enough to serve you even Basic rights.
No matter how much we study and spread awareness in a country like India, there is always an edge that is unreached. We as women have often faced situations where we felt clueless about “what actually needed to be done.” How to deal with the unexpected questions and situations that we often face in society.
Men are a common issue for many women in India; this is not a generalization of “every man,” but rather a specific mention of those trouble-making elements of society. The question here is: what needs to be done? How do you tackle an emergency situation? What should we do when we face a situation of Harassment, Dominance, or Discrimination, there is more to the list.
For the protection and advancement of women, our constitution grants them exclusive rights. In addition, the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act all play a role in the protection of women. These are some major talked about laws but what about the daily harassment and stalking a woman faces? We are often clueless rather we don’t even consider such actions as a serious offence but not anymore, Ladies here is something you should know and spread.
1. Stalking- “Sirf” Pecha Hi To Kar Raha Tha
Stalking was introduced as an offence under Section 354d of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2013 as one of the numerous consequences of the Nirbhaya case. Women don’t get comfortable with the fact that “he is just following.” It is not legal rather is punishable.
In accordance with the 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, stalking is absolutely prohibited. The state is allowed to file a lawsuit against the offender under Section 354d. Don’t hold back reported by one is a solution for many, to report you just need to file an online application to the National Commission for Women (NCW) According to a report by Times of India.
As many as 203 men were arrested and 259 cases were registered in the first six months of the enactment of the law.
2. A Photo Got Uploaded Without Your Consent- Don’t Worry Indian Law Has Your Back
Call it fortunate or Unfortunate, but we live in a technological age where the internet has brought thousands of people together under one roof, where cell phones are widely available, and where everyone carries a mobile camera in their pocket.
With technology being so common, its misuse is an even more everyday thing. Nude or smutty photos and filthy movies are frequently shared over WhatsApp, which is the worst nightmare for women. Videos of changing rooms or perhaps the most private exchange between a couple can be easily found online.
According to a news minute report,
There was a dramatic spike in the number of occurrences of obscene information being transmitted electronically, with a 104.2 percent increase from 2012 to 2013. Since many victims hesitate to come forward out of fear or embarrassment, the actual number may be greater.
The Information Technology Act’s (it act) Sections 67 and 66e, which deal with penalties for privacy violations, expressly restrict taking, publishing, or sending images of a person’s private areas without that person’s permission. The criminal law (amendment) act of 2013’s section 354c, sometimes referred to as the “voyeurism section,” makes it unlawful to record and distribute photos of a woman performing a private act.
3. Right to say ‘No’ Right To Say “NO”- NO Means NO
Rightly said by Mr. Bachan,
No means no. “NO” is not a word it is a sentence in itself.
Every woman has complete control over her body, and no one has the right to force her into having sex without her consent. That would be considered rape. If a husband sexually abuses his wife, the woman has the right to get protection orders under Section 18 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. A husband has the presumption of matrimonial consent to live with his wife if she is over the age of 18.
4. Staring- “Sirf” Dekh Hi To Raha Tha
If a man stares at a woman for 14 seconds or more, he can be booked under Sections 294 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code. This is for all the trouble-making men ” Sirf” dekh hi to raha tha is no more an excuse to harass a woman. Such cases come under molestation.
The section does not limit to staring rather, according to Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which addresses offensive acts and songs, anyone who performs an offensive act in a public setting or sings, recites, or utters an offensive song, ballad, or phrase in or near a public setting will be punished with either type of imprisonment for a term that may last up to three months, a fine, or both.
5. Zero FIR- Know more about it
In an effort to empower and safeguard women, the Delhi Police issued detailed instructions allowing them to submit online complaints and Zero FIRs. A woman may send a complaint via registered mail or email to a Senior Police Officer with the rank of Deputy Commissioner or the Commissioner of Police. The officer then gives the SHO of the nearby concerned police station the go-ahead to thoroughly confirm and look into the woman (victim) and file an FIR. The police can then go to the victim’s house to take a statement from her.
Interesting to know that,
1. Live-In Relationships Are Not Illegal In India
2. You Don’t HAVE To Change Your Surname After Marriage Legally
As women, we should never underestimate our power and strength. God choose a woman to be the Life-giver and gave an abundance of strength to her.
So, next time you are in an uncomfortable situation I am sure you know what to do. A woman is strong when she is educated and stronger when she knows how to use education. Spread awareness and share this with all your fellow Girl-gang.
If you liked this story, please read our girlchild day special article- The Unsung Women Freedom Fighters Of India.
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