#CelebrateingtheRainbow at the workplace – share your stories of Pride!
The Supreme Court reversed its 2006 verdict and now guarantees a woman Right To Resident. A step in the right direction?
On Thursday, in a landmark judgment regarding the Domestic Violence Act 2005, the Supreme Court reversed its 2006 verdict in the favour of women. It now guarantees her Right to Residence. The court has expanded the term shared properties in the Act.
In the Tarun Batra case the court had earlier defined a shared household as any property owned by the husband’s joint family or any property in which the husband had a share. The new judgment grants the Right of Residence to the aggrieved in the household where she singly or jointly lived or is living at any point of her relationship.
Domestic violence in India is one of the most underreported and common crimes. And it has been brought to light by various stories, TV soaps and movies. It has become so ingrained in the society often, it is not even considered as a crime.
The Court, while delivering its judgment, said that the progress of a society can be measured by the progress of its women. Moreover, the constitution while guaranteeing similar rights to men and women embarked on this journey of progress.
Domestic violence in India has been a burning social issue since forever. Especially in 2005, when the Domestic Violence Act was passed. And it continues to be a significant social issue even today.
It has lead to various positive changes but hasn’t been able to wipe out domestic violence per say. The social perception and regressive mindsets in various households have defeated the purpose of the Act and women continue to fall prey to domestic violence.
The spread of domestic violence reflects a patriarchal society engrossed with power and domination. This crime is a way to assert power over women and is used as a constant reminder of the secondary position.
It is an instrument of the patriarchal society to exert power over women to keep her in subjugation and fear. Women are kept under constant fear of physical harm due to which they are unable to make choices or decisions. To stunt a woman’s freedom is exactly what the abuser aims to do.
It would be unfair to say that the Act has not resulted in any positive change but cases of domestic violence still rock many households. And even in privileged and educated households, domestic violence is common.
One of the main reasons behind such behavior is the treatment of women as property and constant reiteration of ownership on the property. In addition to that, economic dependence on husbands acts as a barrier to report various atrocities.
The social system treats the husband at a divine authority and any deviance is severely dissuaded. In such a scenario, social and economic factors save the perpetrators of domestic violence.
As the social and economic factors dissuade women to report domestic violence, it encourages men to perpetrate violence on women. In India, once a woman is married, returning back to her parents home becomes impossible, thus, making tolerating violence the only viable option.
However with this judgment, women will now have economic support. This will enable them to lodge complains and raise their voices against domestic abuse and violence.
The judgment provides the aggrieved Right to Residence which will provide an impetus to women raising cudgels against gender violence. It will induce positive changes and will aid the delivery of justice to women.
Picture credits: Photo by Qazi Ikram Ul Haq from Pexels
Political Science Research Scholar. Doesn't believe in binaries and essentialism. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Can you believe this bloke compelled me to wear only saris - full time at home- till the eighth month of my pregnancy?! The excessive heat coupled with humidity made my life miserable.
Recently when I browsed an interesting post by a fellow author on this very forum I had a sense of déjà vu. She describes the absolutely unnecessary hullabaloo over ladies donning nighties and /or dupatta –less suits.
I wish to narrate how I was in dire straits so far wearing a ‘nightie’ was concerned.
I lived in my ultra orthodox sasural under constant surveillance of two moral guardians (read Taliban) in the shape of the husband’s mom and dad. The mom was unschooled and dim-witted while the dad was a medical practitioner. But he out-Heroded the Herod in orthodoxy.
My supervisor introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As a transwoman navigating the corporate world, I had encountered my fair share of discrimination and challenges. Transitioning without the support of my parents and having limited friendships in my personal life made the journey difficult and lonely. However, when I stepped into the office, something remarkable happened, I left behind the stress and negativity, embracing a space where I could truly be myself.
Joining the marketing team as a graphic designer, I was initially apprehensive about how my colleagues would react to my gender identity. But to my surprise, the atmosphere was welcoming and respectful from day one. My supervisor, Sarah, introduced me as a valuable member of the team, emphasizing my skills and contributions rather than focusing on my gender identity. This simple act set the tone for my experience in the workplace.
As I settled into my role, I discovered that my colleagues went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and included. They consistently used my correct name and pronouns, creating an environment where I could be authentically me. Being an introvert, making friends wasn’t always easy for me, but within this workplace, I found a supportive community that embraced me for who I truly am. The workplace became a haven where I could escape the stresses of my personal life and focus on my professional growth.
Please enter your email address