Why in news?
In August 2025 a domestic worker in Karnataka took a powerful politician to court over alleged abuse. Her courage sparked debate about what it means to empower women in India. The case showed that public applause is not enough — survivors need material and emotional support after the headlines fade.
Background
Women’s empowerment refers to enabling women to make decisions about their own lives, to have equal opportunities and to participate fully in society. Traditionally the discussion has focused on appointing women to high offices, but many women in India still lack safety, economic security or voice. Patriarchal norms silence victims, and support systems often fail to protect them.
Why empowerment remains weak
- Patriarchal social structure: Families and communities sometimes ostracise women who report abuse. Victims face character assassination and social boycott, discouraging others from seeking justice.
- Tokenism: Media often celebrates women leaders and entrepreneurs, but domestic workers, rural women and marginalised groups rarely receive similar support or recognition.
- Economic insecurity: Women who pursue legal cases risk losing jobs and income. Employers may label them “trouble‑makers,” making it hard to find work.
- Limited legal aid: Free legal services exist under Article 39A and the Legal Services Authorities Act, but funding and awareness are inadequate. Court procedures are slow and costly.
- Stigma and isolation: Survivors may be blamed for the abuse. This leads to mental stress, social isolation and often re‑victimisation.
Consequences of partial empowerment
- Justice without rehabilitation: Even when a court convicts an abuser, survivors are sometimes forced to return to unsafe households without financial or psychological support.
- Under‑reporting: Seeing survivors punished for speaking out dissuades others from filing complaints. Abuse then continues unchecked.
- Power imbalance: Powerful perpetrators exploit legal loopholes and social pressure to delay or derail cases. When the state stops helping after a verdict, people lose faith in justice institutions.
India’s actions and their limits
India has enacted many laws and schemes for women: the POSH Act (2013) to curb workplace harassment, the Domestic Violence Act (2005), Nirbhaya reforms and constitutional guarantees of equality. Government programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Nirbhaya Fund and Mission Shakti focus on prevention and awareness. However, most schemes do not provide sustained rehabilitation, and coordination among central, state and corporate efforts is weak.
Way forward
- Compensation schemes: Create state‑funded packages covering survivors’ legal costs, rehabilitation and livelihood support, similar to compensation offered to victims of terrorism or industrial accidents.
- Dedicated legal aid cells: Establish special litigation centres staffed with advocates, forensic experts and counsellors. Fund them at the same level as public prosecutors.
- Guaranteed employment: Reserve jobs in government, public sector units and corporate social responsibility projects for survivors, just as states offer employment to families of martyrs.
- Psychological and trauma care: Provide long‑term counselling, therapy sessions and peer support groups. Treat recovery as a right, not a privilege.
- Include survivor voices: Train survivors as mentors, counsellors and members of internal complaints committees. Their lived experience can improve empathy and trust in grievance redressal.
Conclusion: Real empowerment goes beyond headlines and awards. Women who challenge entrenched power are performing a public service by strengthening justice and democracy. Society owes them economic security, psychosocial support and institutional recognition. Empowerment will be meaningful only when survivors gain sustainable livelihoods and social acceptance.