Women and Crime

The pervasive issue of gender-based crime reveals a stark disconnect between the global rhetoric of gender equality and the entrenched realities faced by women across diverse societies. Despite international advocacy and legal commitments, women continue to experience systematic marginalization within cultural, legal, political, and economic frameworks. Gender-based crimes are not isolated incidents but rather manifestations of deeply embedded patriarchal structures and normative biases. The paradox is particularly pronounced in countries like India, where symbolic veneration of women coexists with high rates of gender violence and systemic neglect. This paper critically explores the dual role of women as both offenders and victims within the criminal justice system, analyzes the typologies and prevalence of crimes committed against them, and evaluates the efficacy of existing legal mechanisms intended for their protection and empowerment.