Glossary of Women-Related Problems and Laws
- 1. Domestic Violence:
- Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse directed at a woman by a partner, spouse, or family member within a domestic setting.
- 2. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:
- A law designed to protect women from domestic violence, allowing them to seek protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief.
- 3. Sexual Harassment:
- Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
- 4. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
- Legislation aimed at preventing sexual harassment of women in the workplace and providing mechanisms for redressal.
- 5. Dowry Harassment:
- Emotional or physical abuse inflicted on a woman by her husband or in-laws related to dowry demands.
- 6. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961:
- A law that prohibits the giving or taking of dowry and provides penalties for those who demand or accept dowry.
- 7. Rape:
- Non-consensual sexual intercourse, which is a criminal offense under Indian law.
- 8. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013:
- This amendment expanded the definition of rape and introduced stricter penalties for sexual offenses against women.
- 9. Triple Talaq:
- A practice in Islam where a husband can divorce his wife by pronouncing "talaq" three times. It was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India in 2017.
- 10. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act,
2019:
- A law that makes the practice of instant triple talaq illegal and provides provisions for maintenance and custody.
- 11. Maternity Benefits:
- Rights and entitlements related to maternity leave, pay, and benefits for women during and after pregnancy.
- 12. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended):
- A law that provides maternity benefits to women working in both the organized and unorganized sectors, including paid maternity leave and nursing breaks.
- 13. Child Custody:
- Legal determination of where a child will live and who will make decisions for the child after the parents' separation or divorce.
- 14. The Guardians and Wards Act, 1890:
- Governs custody and guardianship of minors in India, outlining the procedures for obtaining custody.
- 15. Maintenance:
- Financial support provided to a spouse or dependent, usually during separation or divorce.
- 16. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,
2007:
- A law that provides for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens, allowing them to seek maintenance from their children.
- 17. Streedhan:
- A woman's personal property, including gifts and possessions given to her at marriage, which she has the right to claim.
- 18. The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (Amended):
- Governs inheritance and succession of property for Hindus, allowing daughters equal rights in the family property.
- 19. The Special Marriage Act, 1954:
- A law that provides a framework for marriage between individuals of different religions or those who choose not to follow traditional religious practices.
- 20. Live-in Relationship:
- A relationship where an unmarried couple lives together and shares an intimate relationship without formal marriage.
- 21. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012:
- A law that protects children from sexual offenses, including provisions for reporting and legal proceedings.
- 22. Right to Live in Matrimonial Home:
- A woman's right to reside in her matrimonial home and not be evicted by her husband or in-laws, recognized under the Domestic Violence Act.
- 23. Female Foeticide:
- The practice of aborting female fetuses, leading to gender imbalance. It is illegal under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994.
- 24. The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001:
- A government policy aimed at promoting and empowering women in various spheres, including economic, political, and social rights.
- 25. Cybercrime Against Women:
- Criminal activities targeting women through digital means, such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and identity theft.
- 26. The Information Technology Act, 2000:
- A law that addresses cybercrime and electronic commerce, including provisions to protect women from online harassment.
- 27. Inheritance Rights:
- The legal entitlements of women to inherit property, which vary based on personal laws governing different communities in India.
- 28. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929:
- A law that prohibits the marriage of minors, aiming to protect the rights and welfare of young girls.
- 29. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:
- An amendment to the earlier act, it provides stricter penalties for child marriage and promotes awareness.
- 30. The Anti-Discrimination Law:
- Laws aimed at preventing discrimination against women in various aspects, including employment, education, and health.