Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that woman face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.
National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body created by the 1990 National Commission for Women Act. It performs the following functions:-
- Reviews the constitutional and legal safeguards for women.
- Recommends remedial legislative measures.
- Facilitates redressal of grievances.
- Advices the government on all policy matters affecting women.
NCW has been often criticized for its inability to effectively strategize and tackle the problems faced by women at both public and private spheres. NCW found itself in the midst of controversy for its report on the Mangalore pub attacks. Later, on NCW member involved in the controversy was removed on disciplinary grounds. NCW’s recommendations regarding section 497 of Indian Penal Code that women were “the victim and not an offenders” in adulterous cases also came under fire.
Members have at times exhorted bias and prejudice due to influence of the prevalent patriarchy in our society. Moreover, NCW has been criticized as toothless and spineless. The body is only recommendatory and has no power to enforce its decisions. The body has often been reactive and arbitrarily taken up select issues and responded to them.
NCW was instrumental in the campaign against Triple Talak and conducted detailed studies about the practice in various nations. It sought to protect women from arbitrary divorces.
NCW has undertaken various steps for the rehabilitation of acid attack victims .It has also recommended legislative and policy initiatives for preventing acid attacks.
NCW has regularly held seminars, research as well as awareness drive. It has also partnered with NGOs and provided them with grants to widen its reach.
NCW has undertaken inspection of jails and promoted the idea of violence free home. The government should take steps to make the body more independent. Members should be appointed based on their conviction for women empowerment and not political allegiance.
De-politicization of NCW and making the body to proactive is imperative to protect the interest of 50% of Indians.
Comments
Post a Comment