The consequent movements of feminism have made women's safety rights a mainstream concern. The world we live in breaks the barriers of patriarchy each day to move a step toward gender equality. Activists and feminist leaders have always been in favor of putting gender equality as a necessary human right.
Regardless of the huge steps taken each day to make this world a better space for every human, the violation of women's rights is common. Every minute we hear of crimes committed against women. With this in mind, every woman should know about the rights and safety laws made in their interest.
What are 10 Important Women's Safety Rights?
It is important to be aware of all our rights because they protect and empower us, being a woman. Here are the basic human rights that facilitate the safety of women:
Right to Safe Public Spaces
Foremost among the rights of women's safety is safe public spaces. On the whole, women and girls experience the fear of sexual harassment in public places. So, according to human rights, public places should have well-lit spaces and transportation facilities. Above all, the enforcement of women's safety laws in public spaces is necessary. The laws act as a preventive measure to avoid incidents of harassment and violence in public.
Rights for a Safe Workplace
Issues of pay parity in the workplace are freely discussed. But we forget the right to refuse unsafe work. Women have the right to report or take legal action against privacy violations and harassment in the workplace. Women can file complaints under the Women's safety rights act for security in the workplace.
There are rights against mental harassment in the workplace for all employees, regardless of gender. So, women can also report any sort of verbal abuse besides instances of sexual violation.
Right Against Stalking
Stalking is one of the crimes that has strict punishments. This right protects women from stalking under the rights of personal security. If someone invades privacy or attempts to communicate with women despite clear disinterest, then the person is liable for punishment.
Even if the person uses harmless ways like keeping a tab on the whereabouts and personal details of an individual, it is a crime.
Rights Against Domestic Violence
Under the rights for women's safety in domestic settings, there are strict laws against domestic violence. Any woman living with her partner and in-laws is protected by law under the safety rights in case of domestic abuse. Around the world, the violation of domestic safety includes verbal, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse.
For instance, domestic violence and violations by husbands, their family members, or live-in partners result in imprisonment. Cases of domestic violence allow women to seek protection and financial compensation, too, in case of separation.
Right Against Dowry
Dowry is a social evil that continues unabated in India despite prohibition. In particular, this age-old custom is about a bride's family giving gifts to the groom's family, mostly due to an outright demand. Over the years, there have been cases of harassment of the female and her family to exploit and demand more money. In view of the women's safety rules, giving or taking dowry is punishable by law.
Right to Legal Aid
Among the ten important women's safety rights, the right to free legal aid is an empowering one. In any case of harassment or violence against women, they have the right to seek legal help. The legal aid programs and policies allow free legal representation for women who cannot afford it.
The right to legal services includes providing lawyers and consultants for representation in court.
Right to Freedom of Movement
The right to freedom of movement provides women with the freedom to move around in a place according to their wishes. However, it is true that this basic safety right is hard to provide in some nations. This right ensures that the freedom of women is not obstructed by male domination.
Seeing that the authorities should make sure that the women can safely move around in places at any point in time in the day.
Right to Anonymity
Women's safety rights include the right to privacy and Anonymity. This right aims to safeguard the dignity and pride of citizens. The right to Anonymity ensures the protection of any information about a person's life. This right is very important for victims of sexual harassment.
While reporting a case of sexual harassment, women need to only disclose information that may impact the case. The right to Anonymity ensures the protection of personal information together with the women's integrity.
Right to Self-Defence
With the number of crimes against women increasing fast speed, the right to self-defense becomes important. Regardless of the consequence, a woman is allowed to take action in self-defense. If a woman feels threatened by a potential attacker, they retaliate in self-defense.
In case of any attacker trying to kill, abduct, rape, or harm, a woman can harm or kill the attacker to protect herself without facing any legal punishment.
Reproductive Rights
Women’s safety rights also give women complete ownership over their sexual and reproductive rights. Women must have equal access to contraception and safe abortions in case of unwanted pregnancies. This safety right for women aims to safeguard them from instances of forced intimacy and pregnancy, even post-marriage.
Women are also entitled to seek legal support and action against forced pregnancy, forced marriage, forced abortion, and female genital mutilation.
Also Read: Safety Tips That Every Woman Should Know
Conclusion
Amidst the growing security issues, women need to have complete knowledge of their safety rights. Significant concerns about women's safety can be worked on by increasing awareness, to put it another way. Most women and victims of harassment and violence suffer due to a lack of knowledge of their rights.
The laws made to protect women, especially the ten essential rights mentioned in this article, empower women. So, the bottom line is that you can only fight injustices if you are aware of the rights enforced by law. We hope these rights empower you and help you feel safe whenever you need them.