Pune, November 2024: The Don Bosco Development Society organized five legal literacy sessions for 163 ladies from various slums of Pune under the aegis of ‘Women Empowerment Project’ supported by AXA Global Business Services. During the session, the resource persons provided comprehensive information on several critical legal topics, focusing on laws designed to protect and empower women and children. The details are as follows:

First session was organized on 9th November 2024 at Indira Nagar slum for 37 ladies. Adv. Preeti Sathe was the resource person. 

Second session was organized on 12th November 2024 at Laxmi Nagar slum for 31 ladies. Adv.Dhanshri Bhujbal was the resource person. 

Third session was organized on 25th November 2024 at Mahatama Phule Nagar slum for 27 ladies. Adv.Harshada Gaikwad was the resource person. 

Fourth session was organized on 25th November 2024 at Vishrantwadi slum for 35 ladies. Adv.Prakash Ovhal  was the resource person. 

Fifth session was organized on 25th November 2024 at Vishrantwadi slum for 33 ladies. Adv.Prakash Ovhal  was the resource person. 

Below is an elaboration on each of the topic covered:

Labour Laws:

• Overview of laws that regulate employment conditions, wages, working hours, and workplace safety.

• Special provisions for women workers, including maternity benefits and protection against workplace harassment.

• Importance of understanding and exercising rights within the workplace.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005:

• Explanation of the legal framework designed to protect women from domestic violence.

• Details on the types of abuse covered: physical, emotional, sexual, and economic.

• Steps to seek protection orders and the role of Protection Officers.

Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956:

• Focus on preventing human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

• Legal provisions for rescuing and rehabilitating victims.

• Penalties for those involved in trafficking and exploitation.

Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 (Section 498A):

• Provisions to combat the practice of dowry and protect women from dowry-related harassment.

• Legal recourse available for victims of dowry demands and abuse.

• Penalties for those who demand or give dowry.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act 2014:

• Reforms introduced to strengthen laws related to sexual offenses.

• Enhanced penalties for crimes such as rape, stalking, and acid attacks.

• Introduction of new offenses and victim protection measures.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012:

• Comprehensive law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

• Definition of various offenses and stringent penalties.

• Child-friendly procedures for reporting, recording evidence, and conducting trials.

Participants were encouraged to share their personal experiences and challenges related to the topics discussed. Resource persons provided specific guidance and advice tailored to individual problems.