The Girl To Woman Movement ,the women’s rights in India is a journey that speaks of resilience and progress. Access to these Rights gives a girl an identity after her birth till she is transformed into a woman and therefore important for getting elucidated opportunities in future.
In this blog, we will talk about the rights and laws in which a woman is protected by virtue of her life including herself or those around whose at different stages of their lives as well as what remedy to seek when those right are violated
Rights of the Girl Child in the  Girl to Woman Movement
The Birth of Women’s Rights ensures that girls can grow up to explore the adult world in a safe nurturing environment free from any kind of discrimination or harm.
The Right to Live Violence and Discrimination Free
It is central to the struggle for securing girls against practices like female infanticide, end gender-based violence and discrimination in important parts of life such as education and healthcare.Â
The Equality conversation starts at home, with birth in a world where little girls are raised to have equal opportunities and take the place of their dreams without having to be scared that they will not receive credit or worse because of their gender.
Right to Education
Education, the penetrating power which could enlighten one’s life. The Right to Education Act, 2009 . This is a landmark foundational law that mandates free and compulsory education for children between the ages of six and fourteen.
The regulation ensures girls all over the world are able to have access to education, that is essential for his or her private increase and destiny aspirations. Education equips girls with knowledge, skills and confidence they require to be successful in life. It breaks the cycle of poverty and it provides access to opportunities for a better life.
Right to be Protected from Child Marriage, Labour and Trafficking
Young minds are meant for learning, growing and exploring children should not be married off or working. According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is an act which protect Girls from being married at early age where it has worst impact on her health; education and over all living life. This act prohibits the marriage of anyone under the age of 18 (girls) or 21 (boys)
Another legislative initiative, the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 prohibits employ of children in work which is harmful to their moral development. The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018 is comprehensive legislation that covers more than one form of forced/exploitative labour -with specific provisions related to girls.
Rights of Women in the  Girl to Woman Movement
Girls’ rights change in their circumstances as they become women and face new challenges life can present them. These rights are fundamental for women to live with dignity, autonomy, and participate fully in society.
Right to life with dignity, from violence and discrimination
Living with dignity is a basic human right. Women have the right to live free from violence, whether it is domestic abuse, rape or harassment. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 has the provision for obtaining restraining orders/other reliefs by a woman who is facing domestic violence at home so that she can seek help and secure her future life with legal rights to maintenance etc.
That is essential for the peace of mind, dignity and self-reliance in life which all guaranteed to every woman through this law.
Right to Equal Pay for Equal Work
Gender equality is deeply tied to economic independence. This brings us to the next principle envisaged under the Equal Remuneration Act,1976 that no male employee and female employees be paid at different rates for the same kind of work.Â
Women will only be free when they become economically empowered and the law is a leap in her direction to attain financial independence with dignity, which would help ensure decent living standards for them making equality between sexes justifiable.
Right to Work in a Safe and Conducive Environment
Providing a safe workplace is the least we can do for all employees men, women and non-binary people alike as well; everyone who’s working should be able to work in an environment where they don’t face harassment and discrimination.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 enacted by the legislature is a non-consensual act which comes under civil or criminal liabilities depending on its severity rather than be known as an offence.
Under the law, employers have to set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) for conducting inquiries into complaints of sexual harassment and making sure that women do not feel insecure or intimidated while working.
A safe and empowering work environment encourages more women to chase their careers without feeling vulnerable, or being but a mere part of the working force.
Right to Reproductive and Sexual Health
Now, women are finding more self determination which should mean the ability to decide on where, why and when they become pregnant also as reproductive rights remain a key area of female wellness. WOMEN have a right to access contraception, sex education and safe abortion in order to regulate reproductive functions with their sexual partners.Â
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 is the law which allows a woman to have a safe and legal abortion under certain conditions to protect her health as well as individual freedom. These rights are so crucial for women to be able to decide for themselves what is best.
Right to Own Property and Make Financial Decisions
For empowering women, ensuring financial independence is very important. This ensures equal rights to daughters in the inherited ancestral property and supports gender equality on inheritance. This law makes it possible for women to have the same legal rights as men in property ownership and management which is a key aspect of already working on their financial independence.Â
It supports the empowerment of women by providing for them to be able to make their money decisions and control assets which in turn enable them to lead lives free from being dependent on others.
Key Laws Protecting Women’s Rights
India has a strong set of laws to uphold the rights of women and ensure gender equality. Women should be supported in advocating for their rights under these laws.
Indian Constitution
Under the Guidance of Part III Fundamental Rights All citizens enjoying equality (Article 14), non-discrimination prohibition (article 15) and right to life, personal liberty(Article21). These rights are base of protections regarding women in India.
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
This law prohibits the practice of dowry, making it illegal to demand or give dowry in marriage. It aims to curb the social evil that has led to violence against women.
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
To help ensure that men and women get the same or similar pay when they do work of a comparable nature. The Mission is to reduce the wage gap and gender economic inequality constraints, improving our laws from a broader perspective that recognizes power dynamics.
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
This law allows women to take time from work following the birth of their child and be reinstated without forfeiting wages. The act also promotes the well-being of women and their ability to meet work family obligations.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Ensures protection and relief to women facing violence within home viz. domestic abuse narrated under the law in which are entitled to legal help(RELIEF) as well assistance(SUPPORT) form others.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act
This legislation is an initiative to address issues related to sexual harassment. They also suggest that employers should regard sexual harassment as unacceptable behavior and take positive action to stop it.
How to register a Complaint with the National Commission for Women
National Commission for Women (NCW) to Safeguard the Rights of Indian Women. In case of a breach or violation of your rights, you are free to file a complaint against the same with NCW. Here’s how:
1.Online Complaints
Go to the NCW Website: Visit ncw website to reach the online complaint portal-Women Helpline in
Complaint Registration: Enter the relevant information such as, your name, contact details and issue description. Provide as much detailed information as you can for the NCW to understand your circumstance.
Attach Supporting Documents: Add any supporting documents you have for your complaint, such as medical reports, pictures or letters to accompany your appeal.
2.By Post
Have an elaborated and well-explained incident in your written letter of grievance. Be sure to include important things such as the dates, location and any potential witnesses.
Supporting Documents: Enclose the copies of any related documents like medical reports, photos or emails.
Send to NCW Office: Drop your complaint by mailÂ
3.In Person
Head to the NCW Office: You can also reach out in person, by visiting the office of NCW in New DelhiÂ
Bring Documents: carry your complaint letter and documents.
Talk to representative : representative will help you fill in the form as a representative of the organization.
Conclusion: Awakening Women Through Awareness
India has started securing the rights of women, but bridging such a gap in society is still an ongoing struggle. Women and girls need to know these rights by heart as well as the legal frames within which they are claimed or can be protected. Women will be able to both participate in and lead the charge for equality while knowing their rights, where they can seek help.
In the end, of course women’s rights are human rights and none of us should be excluded from a safe society where we have everything to thrive without fear. A world in which every girl and woman can participate without fear, live a life of dignity, freedom and equality.
Written by Srilekha