Women have faced some unique, prejudicial challenges, be it societal, personal or professional. In modern times, as more and more women enter various workspaces and take up jobs in several different sectors, their chances of facing discriminatory and predatory behaviour has increased.
Over the years, several enactments have been passed for the welfare of the working people and the protection of Indian employee rights. Some of these enactments carve out special provisions for the women workforce. Here are the laws every woman needs to know and familiarise herself with to improve and protect her position in the workforce:
On 1st December, President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015, wherein, amongst other amendments, it is allowing women to work in factories in night shifts. With this amendment, it also makes it mandatory for factory management to ensure the security of women working night shifts.
In 2013, India adopted its first legislation specifically addressing the issue of workplace sexual harassment; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“POSH Act”) enacted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, India.