(a) whether the Government is contemplating to propose a policy to promote women empowerment and their safety to increase their participation in the workforce and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has taken any steps in this direction; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): The Ministry of Women and Child Development has prepared the draft National Policy for Women after considering suggestions/comments received from stakeholders. The Draft envisions a society in which, women attain their full potential and are able to participate as equal partners in all spheres of life. The draft policy addresses the diverse needs of women through identified priority areas : (i) Health including food security and nutrition, (ii) Education, (iii) Economy (including agriculture industry, labour, employment, NRI women, soft power, service sector, science and technology), Violence against women, (iv) Governance and decision making (v) Violence Against Women (vi) Enabling environment (including housing, shelter and infrastructure, drinking water and sanitation, media and culture, sports and social security) (vii) Environment and climate change.
(b) & (c): The Government of India is implementing Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme which was approved in November, 2017 as a centrally sponsored scheme to empower rural women through community participation.
The existing law, The Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, aims to provide safe and secure work environment to women. The Act covers all women, irrespective of their age or employment status and provides protection against sexual harassment at all workplaces; both in public and private sector, whether organised or unorganised. Domestic workers are also covered under the ambit of the Act.
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