Context: 

The recent cases of molestation and rape of women in Manipur, which is one of cruel disregard and contempt for human dignity and human rights, have brought the Women’s Commissions into the focus. 

About National Commission for Women: 

• Establishment: The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established in India under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
• Primary Objective: To safeguard and promote the rights and interests of women across the country. 
• Apex Organization: The NCW serves as the apex organization at the national level, responsible for addressing various women’s issues and advocating for gender equality. 

Objectives of the Women’s Commissions: 

• Safeguarding Women’s Rights: 
  • The primary goal of Women’s Commissions is to protect and promote the rights of women.
  • This includes ensuring gender equality, addressing discrimination, and advocating for women’s empowerment. 
• Empowering Women: 
  • Women’s Commissions work towards empowering women by supporting initiatives that enhance their economic, social, and political status.
• Eliminating Gender-Based Violence: 
  • Another crucial objective is to combat gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. 
• Advocacy and Policy Formulation: 
  • These commissions engage in advocacy to influence policymakers and government bodies to implement measures that benefit women. 
  • They play an important role in formulating policies and guidelines related to women’s welfare. 
• Raising Awareness:
  • It often conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public about women’s rights, gender equality and relevant legal provisions.

Functions of the Commissions: 

• Inquiry and Investigation: 
  • Women’s commissions are responsible for investigating and examining all matters related to the safeguards provided for women under the Indian Constitution and other laws. 
• Redressal and Support: 
  • These commissions provide support and assistance to women who have experienced discrimination or violence. 
  • They can help in accessing legal aid, counseling, and other forms of support. 
• Public Hearings and Recommendations: 
  • Women’s Commissions may hold public hearings  to understand and address the issues faced by women in various contexts. 
  • Based on their findings, they can make recommendations to the government and other relevant bodies for necessary action. 
• Reviewing Legislation: 
  • Women’s Commissions play a role in reviewing existing laws and policies to ensure they are in line with women’s rights and advocate for necessary amendments when required. 
• Collaboration and Coordination: 
  • Women’s Commissions collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize their impact and reach in supporting women’s welfare. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation: 
  • These commissions continuously monitor the implementation of policies and programs related to women’s issues and evaluate their effectiveness. 
  • Overall, Women’s Commissions aim to create a more gender-equitable society where women can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunities. 

Challenges Faced by Women’s Commission: 

• Inadequate Resources: 
  • Women’s Commissions often struggle with limited financial and human resources, which can hinder their ability to effectively carry out their functions and respond to the vast array of women’s issues.
• Lack of Authority: 
  • In certain cases, Women’s Commissions may lack sufficient authority or autonomy to enforce their recommendations or decisions, making it difficult to ensure timely and appropriate action on women’s rights violations. 
• Political Interference: 
  • Political influence can sometimes hinder the impartial functioning of Women’s Commissions. 
  • The appointment of commission members with political affiliations may compromise their independence and ability to take unbiased decisions. 
• Insufficient Awareness: 
  • Many women in marginalized communities may not  be aware of the existence and functions of Women’s Commissions. 
• Social Stigma: 
  • Women often face social  stigma and fear of retaliation when reporting incidents of harassment or violence. 
  • Overcoming this stigma and encouraging more women to come forward is a significant challenge for Women’s Commissions. 
• Slow Legal Processes: 
  • The legal system’s slow pace and complex procedures can delay justice for women who have experienced violence or discrimination, leading to frustration and disillusionment among survivors. 
• Intersectional Challenges: 
  • Women’s Commissions must recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women from different socio-economic, cultural, and regional backgrounds, as the issues they encounter may vary significantly. 
• Changing Societal Norms: 
  • Deep-rooted gender stereotypes and traditional societal norms can hinder progress in achieving gender equality and may pose resistance to the initiatives of Women’s Commissions. 

Way Forward:

• Strengthening Legal Framework: 
  • Ensure that Women’s Commissions have adequate legal backing and authority to take action on women’s rights violations.
  • This may involve amending existing laws or enacting new legislation to grant them more powers  and autonomy. 
• Adequate Funding: 
  • Allocate sufficient financial resources to Women’s Commissions to enhance their capacity to carry out their functions effectively. 
• Collaboration with NGOs: 
  • Establish partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on women’s issues. Collaborating with experienced NGOs can expand the reach of the Women’s Commissions and facilitate better support for women in need. 
• Focus on Accessibility: 
  • Ensure that Women’s Commissions are easily accessible to women across various regions, including remote and rural areas. 
  • Setting up regional offices or using technology for virtual interactions can help overcome geographical barriers. 
• Empowering Survivors: 
  • Support and empower survivors of gender-based violence through counseling, legal aid, and skill development programs. 
• Data Collection and Analysis: 
  • Establish a robust system for collecting and analyzing data on women’s rights violations. 
  • This data can help identify trends, assess the impact of interventions, and inform evidence-based policy recommendations. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation: 
  • Regularly monitor the performance and impact of Women’s Commissions to identify areas of improvement and measure their effectiveness in achieving their objectives. 
• Intersectional Approach: 
  • Recognize the diverse experiences of women from different backgrounds and ensure that the strategies and services offered by Women’s Commissions are inclusive and cater to the needs of all women. 
• Engaging with the Government: 
  • Build strong connections with relevant government bodies and policymakers to advocate for gender-sensitive policies and ensure the implementation of the commission’s recommendations. 
• Research and Advocacy: 
  • Conduct research on emerging women’s issues and advocate for policy changes based on evidence and the evolving needs of women in society. 

News Source: The Indian Express