As per the latest data available to me, the contribution and representation of women in the labour force of the country is as shown below.

• In 2009-2010, women were 26.1% of all rural workers, and 13.8% of all urban workers.

• Women are an estimated 31.2% of all economically active individuals.

The above data is indicative enough of the fact that, the participation of women in economicactivity in the country is commendable and it is expected to increase further, in the coming years. Which is a welcomed sign and development. This growth is attributed to the socio-economic, and the cultural shifts, taking place in India. Improved employment access, education, fall in fertility rates and delayed fertility are all feeding into the structural change and increasing the number of women entering the workforce.There is also, a big push amongst urban families to have two incomes, and cultural changes are reflecting this because, there is now more acceptance towards women working in the present 21st century.

However, this has led to emergence of more issues and concerns regarding the safety of women. Women are entering more spaces which were earlier, a full dominance of men. Thus, we are witnessing assaults and crimes against women on the rise. It is the manifestation of the patriarchal under-belly of the indian society, even in the post-modern era. It reflects, how the men of this country looks upon women in general, and how they are always ready to take advantage of her politeness and helplessness.

Keeping note of the rising cases of harassment of women at workplaces in particular and everywhere in general. The Supreme Court has passed a judgement asking all states to enforce guidelines in their civil services rules which is known as Vishaka Guidelines. Vishaka guidelines are meant for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment of women at workplaces. These guidelines were laid down by the apex court on Aug 17, 1997, for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment and the court had directed their due compliance under Article 141 of the Constitution until such time appropriate legislation was enacted by the parliament.

What is Vishakha Guidelines ?

The Visakha guidelines define Sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexually determined
behavior such as:

• Physical contact and advances;

• Demand or request for sexual favours;

• Sexually coloured remarks;

• Showing pornography;

• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.

Who are covered under this?
Women who:

• Draw a regular salary;

• Receive an honorarium;

• Do voluntary work in the government, private and un-organized sector.

The guidelines also :-

• Laid down duties for employers to ensure that there was no hostile environment for
women, barred victimisation of affected women and witnesses, and directed an express
ban on sexual harassment through rules and regulations of services or standing orders
in the private sector.

• It contemplated complaints committees at all workplaces, headed by a women
employee, with not less than half of its members being women.

For further details visit http://www.iitb.ac.in/WomensCell/data/Vishaka-Guidelines.pdf

Besides this, there are other bills such as

• Domestic Violence Act 2005 (http://www.domesticviolences.com/domestic-violence-
act-2005/ ) and

• Sexual- harassment at workplace bill 2012 (http://www.lawyerscollective.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/09/Sexual-Harassment-at-Workplace-Bill-2012.pdf)

All aimed at giving more protection and safeguards to women at workplace. However, it is a known fact that, inspite of the legislation in 1997, the cases of crime against women is on the rise. The lack of initiatives and implementation has again, made it a toothless legislation. Which has always been the case in the country. Another factor, which prevents women to come forward, is the fear of further exploitation, to the extent that, they might lose out on their source of income besides, the social stigma attached to it. Thus, led to the birth of yet another bill to safeguard women, in the form of Sexual harassment at workplace bill 2012, as mentioned above. Inspite of its weak implementation, let us try to see if, it can be of any use in the context of north-east people in general and the zomis in particular.

Now then, there might be numbers of intellectual minds, who are already aware of this legislation and above mentioned acts/bills. There will also be some minds, wondering what is the need of this knowledge in the context of the people from the north-east and its relevance. But presently, having such notion and perception seems arrogant and un-pragmatic on our part. In our case it needs much more attention, as we being from the north-east with different race and culture are treated as an outsider. Our women are not spared at all. They are also subjected to various form of harassments, which go un-reported and ignored. Mainly due to the lack of support, lack of knowledge, fear of social outcasts and further ill treatment. Thus, it is also very much concerning us.

Moreover, the increasing trend of more women into jobs, is very much reflective in the context of the women from the north-east as well. Substantial population of women from the north-east are in both government and private sectors, which is expected to and will keep on increasing. Though, we are always vulnerable to any kind of assault/abuse, there is more chances of it being a reality, as more and more of our women are going out for economic activities and jobs. That too, in various cities and metros across the country. Far away from home, moving into places we are not familiar with. In such a scenario, having the knowledge and giving due importance to such legislation is turning out to be, much more important than before. It would be ideal, if each and every adult women from the north–east, knows that there are laws and legislations, that are there to protect them and to redress their issues. What is expected is that, we should atleast, be able to make sure, if such provisions are there in the organisation which is employing us. If not, ask for it or enquire about it. By this, we are asserting that, we are a well informed citizen, who is not going to tolerate any kind of abuse in whatever form it might be. Making ourselves empowered in a way, that if we wanted to, there is a way to fight. Instead of suffering silently and dieing each day. So that, those who wants to raise their voices against any such harassments can bring the perpetrators to justice.Being aware of such legislations can be used as an armour, as a well informed person is never looked down upon and discriminated.

As for the parents and relatives back home, it is time that, we become a well informed citizenry now. Make our daughters, sisters and even our wives, know about such legislations and create awareness. Which will definitely, go a long way in empowering ourselves as a society and community. Not only this, in years to come, this legislation and other provisions related to women issues will have to be taken into consideration, in our town and cities in the North-east regions. As we grow and advance as a society/community, these legislations and regulations will find its necessity amongst us as well. To fight any injustice done, we all have to follow the rules and regulations as per the law of this country. For instance, any form of crime/violence against anyone can not be always solved/tried as per our respective tribal traditions and cultures. Some where down the line, in the near future, we have to adopt to what the government of india, has already laid down upon. There is no escaping from it. Thus, having the knowledge and being familiar with it, as early as possible is a much more progressive step, rather being ignorant to it.

The main objective here, is to inculcate a sense of alertness and be an informed citizenry of this country. Any developments, issues and legislations cannot/should not be viewed as something, that is not of the concern for the people of the north-east regions anymore. Rather, we must keep tabs of the new developments and legislations. Presently, it might not touch us directly, but in some one way or the other in the near future they will, as we are very much part of the system. Not only of the women related issues, but of the socio-economic(MGNREGA,RTE..etc), political(RTI,PIL..etc), health(NRHM), developmental(IAY, Land acquisition bill, etc) and environmental(Land acquisition bill, Forest protection and conservation..etc), issues as well. There is a need, to wake up to things which are happening around us, and learning from them. So that, we are able to make useful utilisation of them in order to make our living much more better, safer, healthier and sustainable in every way possible.