Role of the Indian Constitution in Controlling Gender-based Violence and Women's Empowerment

Abstract: Both men and women are actively involved in the growth and formation of their families as well as the larger society. Indeed, one of the main issues of the global women’s movement has been the fight for legal equality. In India, women were neglected for centuries and viewed as an oppressed section of society for a long period. Historically, women have been relegated to almost all sections of society. From the cradle to the grave, women are victimized by many evils, including gender-based violence, injustice, discrimination, and subjugation. In contemporary Indian society, one of the main causes of concern is the status of women. They are threatened, tormented, harassed, neglected, and abused. These days, eve-teasing has become so common that abduction and rape are regular incidents. Working women are disheartened everywhere. They are mistreated in all places, and even at home, they are not safe. Despite rising levels of education, gender awareness, and legislation supporting women, progress has been sluggish, and the rate of violence against women is rising. In addition to ensuring gender equality, the Constitution permits the state to enact laws that favour positive discrimination. This article aims to evaluate women’s status under the Indian Constitution and how the Constitution, being the supreme document, plays a significant role in achieving gender equality in India. The paper suggests that, regardless of various laws for the equity of women, women’s empowerment is critically needed. The irony is that half of the population is ignorant of the legal protections for women’s empowerment and safety provided by the Constitution. This article tries to highlight constitutional provisions, laws, development policies, and schemes relating to women.