Ms. Vishishta Mishra, LLM, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) Knowledge Acres, Kandoli, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
ABSTRACT
For women, the right to have control over their own bodies and their sexuality, free of discrimination, coercion, and violence, is critical to their empowerment. If sexual rights of women are not recognized by the states then their right to self-determination and autonomy over their body cannot be guaranteed. The aim of the article is to draw the attention of the readers towards the atrocities and discrimination that women face throughout their lifetime and how such ill treatment affects her sexual right and compromises her reproductive health. Through this article, an effort has been made to analyse and evaluate the existing International and National Standards for the protection of sexual rights of women. The article highlights the issues related to gender-based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and restrictions on their mobility, clothing, education, employment and participation in public life.
The expected outcomes are-
Underlining the fact that women alone should be vested with the right to decide for her body and life. The State should not encroach and decide for her on issues, which are pertinent for her existence.
Accentuating the role of Judiciary in protecting and promoting the Reproductive Rights of women through landmark judgements.
Highlighting the flaws and failure of the International and National Standard to protect the reproductive rights of.
The key findings include the necessity of addressing the issues of sexual rights of women as these form the basic human rights and are pertinent to ensure equality and justice to women.
Keywords: Sexual rights, Reproductive health, Abortions, Sterilization, Fundamental rights, Empowerment, Pregnancies, Childbirth.
