Description

Women Rights, Law and Justice
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-2-0, 2026

Chapter 19

Empowering Women in Contemporary India: A Reassessment of Constitutional Provisions and Judicial Interventions

Dr. Mohd Zama
Assistant Professor of Law, Presidency University, Bengaluru (India)

Abstract

Historically speaking, women, being an important part of our society, have been discriminated against and were considered to be the weaker section of the society. But, with changing times, their role in society has acquired new dimensions. Presently, the term “woman empowerment” refers to enhancing and strengthening the social, economic, and political status of women. It also entails giving women equal rights and giving them the self-assurance they need to assert those rights, including the freedom to live their lives with a sense of self-worth, respect, and dignity, full control over their lives both inside and outside of their homes and places of employment, the ability to make their own decisions, and the same rights to engage in social, religious, and public activities as men.

To strengthen and safeguard the economic and social standing of the poorer segments of society, especially women, the Indian Parliament has passed a number of social legislations. This research article sheds light upon the present legal system concerning women in India and also sheds light on the role of judiciary in empowering women.

Keywords

Women Empowerment, Social Legislation, Indian Constitution, Equal Right, Dignity.

1. Introduction

“Each time a woman stands for herself, she stands for all women.”

– Maya Angelou

No society is complete without women as they are the backbone of every society. In fact, the importance of women in every community cannot be overstated. They have greatly benefited all facets of life, thus every community in the world should accord them a particular position in recognition of their contributions. Yet, they faced discrimination and were viewed as the weaker group in society. The role of women in society has changed over time and now has new dimensions. The term women empowerment cannot be defined precisely. In common parlance, “woman empowerment” means enhancing and strengthening the social, economic, and political status of women. It also entails giving women equal rights and giving them the self-assurance they need to assert those rights, including the freedom to live their lives with a sense of self-worth, respect, and dignity, full control over their lives both inside and outside of their homes and places of employment, the ability to make their own decisions, and the same rights to engage in social, religious, and public activities as men.