19 Laws Against Sexual Harassment That Every Indian Woman Should Know

There are many things that happen to girls on a daily basis that we do not even notice anymore because we are so used to it by now. When I was growing up, my sister and I were once walking on the road when someone whistled. I must be 10 years old back then. She told me not to look in that direction and taught me not to pay attention to these things. And I obediently followed that for several years. Thanks to that, my life was much easier because I am a scaredy-cat. I am afraid that a scene might be created. Hence, I avoid and endure.

However, there are many laws already existing in the country which protects women from many kinds of sexual harassments that happen regularly against them. Most women aren’t aware of them and, therefore, like me, they prefer avoiding the situation and don’t face the issue.

Breakthrough India, a global human rights organization working to make violence against women and girls unacceptable, recently shared these posters on laws against women harassment. After reading these laws, I felt more empowered because now I know that no one can just take me for granted and sing a lewd song when I am walking by because there’s nothing I can do about it. I have my rights, I have the laws that will protect me, and I am not afraid in using them.

Here are some of the laws that every female living in India should be aware of: