Gender sensitisation and the courtroom: Steps taken, but miles to go

The Supreme Court of India has taken many steps to ensure a more equitable gender regime in the judiciary. While it must be commended for these positive steps, much more needs to be done, writes Mahalakshmi Pavani.

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"Gender equality includes protection from sexual harassment and the right to work with dignity, which is a universally recognized basic human right," held Vishakha versus State of Rajasthan.

The pursuit of equality extends beyond the contours of law and the courtroom. This imperative is not exempt from the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court of India, where the principles of justice and equality permeate the very fabric of the courtroom.

Consequently, the tryst for social, economic and legislative equality is more than cerebral, it trickles down to the very core of people's socialisation.

The common perception that the Vishakha judgment brought monumental changes regarding the safety of women in our country is wholly misconceived.

However, the cataclysmic changes were only propelled by the plight of a young woman having been brutally raped and shrouded in the repercussions of a gory gang rape.

It was only then that there came about a complete overhaul of all laws pertaining to children, women and juveniles. It took India 16 long years to enact substantial amendments and bring about an Act for the safety of women in the workplace. A realisation had dawned upon parliamentarians that women were not safe in the country.