-The Indian Express The recent proposal by the National Commission for Women to legalise prostitution has opened up an old debate. It is a misnomer that legalisation would lead to improving the lives of women in prostitution by way of reduced harassment by the police and provision of healthcare facilities. Advocates of legalisation should first examine the experience of countries where prostitution has been legalised. The mere fact that licensing has...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: Government employees promising preferential treatment or threatening detrimental treatment in employment to women colleagues will be held accountable for sexual harassment, as per the revised central service conduct rules approved by the department of personnel and training (DoPT). Defining "sexual harassment" and "workplace" in detail in explanations appended to Rule 3C of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 that deals with sexual harassment of women employed...

-The Times of India NEW DELHI: Over 60% offences of rape, molestation and 'eve teasing' (sexual harassment) recorded across Delhi till mid-September occurred inside the house and the accused were known to the survivors. A unique court-ordered study by Delhi Police of 44 police stations throughout the capital has revealed that women are most unsafe at home with their relatives or acquaintances. The report on police's "analysis and conclusions" was submitted as...

-The Times of India MUMBAI: Enterprising lawyers and gender equality experts have spotted a business opportunity in the new law against sexual harassment of women at work. With the sexual harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 raising major concerns with respect to corporate liability and a potential threat to reputation on non-compliance, organizations are turning to the pros. This new breed of consultants helps companies with gender...

-Economic and Political Weekly How will the amendments to the Factories Act affect women workers? How do women view the "protections" and night work? Apoorva Kaiwar (akaiwar@yahoo.co.in) is a labour lawyer and consultant on issues of gender and labour. The central government is proposing to amend several labour laws. The process of amending them has been underway since 2011, which means that it is not only the new dispensation that is eager to...