National Commission on the

status of Women (NCSW)

Topic: (I) addressing the socio-
cultural and legal challenges to
eradicate dowry death.
(II) Strengthening national
collaboration to combat trafficking
and prostitution of women

ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:

The National Commission on the Status of Women
(NCSW) is a pivotal organization dedicated to
promoting gender equality and the empowerment of
women. Established to address the myriad challenges
faced by women, the NCSW plays a crucial role in
advocating for women’s rights and ensuring their
voices are heard in policy-making processes.
The NCSW operates as an advisory body to the
government, providing recommendations on policies,
laws, and programs that impact women. Its primary
objective is to eliminate discrimination against women
and to promote their social, economic, and political
empowerment. The commission conducts extensive
research, gathers data, and monitors the
implementation of laws and policies related to women’s
rights.
One of the key functions of the NCSW is to review
existing legislation and propose amendments to ensure
that women’s rights are adequately protected. The
commission also works to raise awareness about
gender issues and to educate the public on the
importance of gender equality. Through various
initiatives, the NCSW aims to create a more inclusive
society where women can participate fully and equally
in all aspects of life.
The NCSW collaborates with a wide range of
stakeholders, including government agencies, non-
governmental organizations, and international bodies,
to advance its mission. It organizes conferences,
workshops, and seminars to facilitate dialogue and
exchange of ideas on gender issues. Additionally, the
commission provides support and resources to women
facing discrimination or violence, helping them to seek
justice and rebuild their lives.
In recent years, the NCSW has focused on several
critical areas, including combating gender-based
violence, promoting women’s economic empowerment,
and increasing women’s participation in political and
public life. By addressing these issues, the commission
aims to create a more equitable society where women
can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.
Overall, the National Commission on the Status of
Women is a vital institution that champions the rights
of women and works tirelessly to achieve gender
equality. Its efforts are instrumental in shaping a future
where women can live free from discrimination and
enjoy equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA:

The eradication of dowry death and the combatting of
trafficking and prostitution of women are critical issues
that require a multifaceted approach, addressing both
socio-cultural and legal challenges. The National
Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has
identified these issues as pressing concerns impacting
the safety and dignity of women across the country.
This introduction outlines the agenda for addressing
these challenges through comprehensive strategies
and strengthened national collaboration.
I. Addressing Socio-Cultural and Legal Challenges to
Eradicate Dowry Death
Dowry death remains a severe and pervasive issue,
deeply rooted in socio-cultural practices and legal
inadequacies. Societal norms that perpetuate dowry
practices contribute to an environment where women
are vulnerable to violence and discrimination. Despite
legislative measures like the Dowry Prohibition Act,
1961, dowry-related violence continues to persist due
to inadequate enforcement and societal resistance. The
NCSW emphasizes the need for a dual approach:
enhancing legal frameworks to ensure strict
enforcement and fostering socio-cultural change
through awareness programs and educational
initiatives. By addressing these intertwined aspects, the
agenda aims to create a safer environment for women
and effectively combat dowry death.
II. Strengthening National Collaboration to Combat
Trafficking and Prostitution of Women
Trafficking and prostitution of women are grave human
rights violations that undermine the dignity and
autonomy of countless individuals. The NCSW
recognizes that tackling these issues necessitates a
robust, coordinated national response involving
multiple stakeholders. Strengthening national
collaboration involves enhancing the synergy between
government agencies, law enforcement, non-
governmental organizations, and international bodies.
This collaborative effort should focus on improving
preventive measures, strengthening legal frameworks,
and ensuring victim support and rehabilitation. By
fostering a unified approach, the agenda seeks to
dismantle the networks that perpetuate trafficking and
prostitution and ensure justice and support for
survivors.
In conclusion, addressing dowry death and trafficking
requires a comprehensive, collaborative effort informed
by the NCSW's recommendations. By tackling these
issues through both socio-cultural reforms and
strengthened national partnerships, the goal is to
achieve a significant and lasting impact on women’s
safety and rights.

PAST CHALLENGES:
The National Commission on the Status of Women
(NCSW) has embarked on numerous missions to
advance gender equality and address systemic issues
affecting women. Since its establishment, the NCSW
has worked diligently to advocate for legislative
reforms, enhance legal protections, and promote
women's rights across various sectors. Key missions
have included spearheading initiatives to combat
domestic violence, trafficking, and dowry-related
abuses, alongside efforts to promote economic
empowerment and educational opportunities for
women. The commission has played a pivotal role in
formulating policies and recommendations aimed at
improving the status of women and ensuring their
rights are safeguarded. However, the NCSW has faced
significant challenges in its endeavours. Persistent
socio-cultural norms and deeply entrenched gender
biases often undermine legislative measures, making
enforcement difficult and hindering progress. For
example, despite robust legal frameworks, issues such
as dowry deaths and domestic violence continue to
plague society due to inadequate implementation and
societal resistance. Additionally, achieving economic
and educational equality remains challenging,
particularly in marginalized and rural communities
where traditional barriers and socio-economic
disparities are pronounced. The NCSW has also
struggled with ensuring meaningful representation and
participation of women in leadership roles, an area
where progress has been slow despite ongoing
advocacy. These challenges underscore the need for
continuous and comprehensive efforts, including
enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, better
enforcement of laws, and sustained public awareness
campaigns. While the NCSW’s past missions have made
significant strides in addressing women's issues, the
ongoing obstacles highlight the necessity for persistent
innovation and commitment to achieving lasting gender
equality and empowerment.

STATE VIEWS:
Addressing the socio-cultural and legal challenges to
eradicate dowry death, as well as strengthening
national collaboration to combat trafficking and
prostitution of women, are issues that vary significantly
in perspective and implementation across Indian states.
The National Commission on the Status of Women
(NCSW) has emphasized the need for comprehensive
and localized strategies to effectively tackle these
problems, given the diverse socio-cultural and legal
landscapes of India's states. Regarding dowry deaths,
states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have
been historically reported to have high instances of
dowry-related violence, face significant socio-cultural
challenges. In these regions, entrenched traditions and
socio-economic pressures perpetuate the practice of
dowry, making enforcement of anti-dowry laws
challenging. The NCSW has recommended that states
increase efforts in grassroots education and
community-based interventions to alter deep-seated
cultural attitudes, alongside strengthening legal
enforcement mechanisms. On the other hand, states
like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have made strides in
legislative reforms and public awareness campaigns
but still grapple with challenges related to the
enforcement of laws and the need for more robust
support systems for survivors.

When it comes to trafficking and prostitution, the

perspective and response of Indian states also show
considerable variation. States such as West Bengal and
Maharashtra, which are significant transit and
destination points for trafficking, face complex
challenges related to both demand and supply chains.
The NCSW has underscored the necessity for a
coordinated national approach involving state
governments, law enforcement, and NGOs to address
the multifaceted nature of trafficking. In states with
significant urban centers and high migration rates, such
as Delhi and Mumbai, there is a pressing need for
enhanced victim support services, including
rehabilitation and reintegration programs. The NCSW
has called for stronger inter-state and national
collaboration to ensure that trafficking networks are
dismantled and that victims receive the necessary
support and justice. Conversely, states with lower
reported incidences of trafficking may benefit from
increased vigilance and preventive measures to avoid
becoming new hubs for such crimes.

The challenge of addressing prostitution also varies

across states, with some areas showing progressive
attitudes towards decriminalization and harm
reduction, while others maintain more conservative
approaches. For instance, in progressive states like
Goa, efforts to regulate sex work within a framework
that ensures safety and rights for sex workers are being
explored, whereas states with more traditional views
may resist such measures. The NCSW advocates for a
unified national strategy that balances legal reform
with social support, ensuring that all states can
effectively address the complexities of prostitution
without compromising the rights and safety of sex
workers.

In summary, while there is a broad consensus on the

need to tackle dowry death and trafficking, Indian
states exhibit diverse approaches and challenges in
addressing these issues. The NCSW's recommendations
highlight the importance of localized strategies,
increased inter-state collaboration, and a unified
national approach to effectively combat these socio-
cultural and legal challenges. Addressing these issues
requires a multifaceted approach that considers
regional variations and promotes cohesive efforts
across the country to ensure the protection and
empowerment of women.
In the context of addressing the socio-cultural and legal
challenges to eradicate dowry death and strengthening
national collaboration to combat trafficking and
prostitution of women, the views and approaches of
Indian states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, and
those in South India reveal a spectrum of strategies
and challenges. Gujarat has made notable strides in
tackling dowry-related issues through rigorous
enforcement of anti-dowry laws and public awareness
campaigns. However, socio-cultural challenges persist,
particularly in rural areas where traditional practices
are entrenched. The state's approach emphasizes legal
compliance and community outreach but also
highlights the need for ongoing education to shift
deeply rooted cultural norms.

In Rajasthan, where dowry deaths and related violence

have been significant concerns, the state has
implemented various measures, including stricter law
enforcement and helplines for women in distress.
Nonetheless, socio-cultural resistance remains a
barrier. Efforts are focused on improving legal
mechanisms and increasing the visibility of women's
rights issues, but success is uneven, especially in
remote and conservative areas. Rajasthan's experience
underscores the necessity for comprehensive
community engagement to complement legal reforms.

Goa, known for its relatively progressive stance, has

approached issues of trafficking and prostitution with a
focus on harm reduction and sex worker rights. The
state has explored regulatory frameworks that aim to
safeguard the rights of sex workers while addressing
trafficking concerns. Goa’s model reflects a more
nuanced understanding of prostitution and emphasizes
the need for balancing regulation with protection and
support for sex workers. However, challenges in
enforcement and ensuring the model’s effectiveness
remain.

In South India, states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have

adopted progressive measures to combat trafficking
and prostitution. Kerala has implemented robust victim
support systems and preventive programs, while Tamil
Nadu has focused on both legal reforms and public
awareness. These states are noted for their efforts in
providing comprehensive support services and
enforcing anti-trafficking laws, though challenges
related to resource allocation and the coordination of
efforts persist.

Overall, while each state shows varying levels of

progress and challenges, there is a shared need for
enhanced inter-state collaboration and tailored
approaches to effectively address dowry deaths,
trafficking, and prostitution, as emphasized by the
National Commission on the Status of Women.