Syllabus
GS Paper 1 Role of women and women’s organization
Context
75th Republic Day of India: Pre-independence feminist movements played a crucial role in guaranteeing women’s rights in the Constitution.
Source
The Indian Express | Editorial dated 26 January 2024
The women before us
The 75th Republic Day of India presents an opportunity to not only celebrate our nation’s journey but also to revisit and acknowledge the crucial contributions of those who paved the way for our modern democracy. Among these, the often under-recognized role of feminist movements in pre-independent India deserves special attention.
Timeline of women’s movement
- 1910: Bharat Stree Mahamandal established by Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, the first all-India women’s organization promoting education, social reform, and national consciousness.
- 1917: Women India Assosciation by Annie Besant, Margaret Cousins, Jeena Raja Dasa,
- WIA presents a memorandum demanding women’s voting rights to Edwin Montagu and Lord Chelmsford.
- 1919: Government of India Act 1919 allows provincial legislatures to enfranchise women
- 1927: All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) formed, focusing on education, child marriage, age of consent, and personal laws.
- 1929: Nehru Report proposes equal civic rights for all citizens, including women.
- 1930-31: Civil Disobedience Movement sees active participation of women leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
- 1935: Government of India Act 1935 expands women’s right to vote and opens doors for women in public offices. Several women contest elections and join provincial governments.
- 1945-46: AIWC adopts the Indian Woman’s Charter of Rights and Duties, demanding equality in all spheres and comprehensive personal law reforms.
During the Gandhian era,huge participation of women was witnessed in independence struggle.
Nature of pre-independence feminist movements
The Fight for Suffrage:
- Contrary to popular belief, women’s right to vote was not simply “granted” alongside men’s. It was hard-won through the persistent efforts of women activists who campaigned tirelessly for years.
- The earliest official demand came in 1917, followed by the formation of the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) – the first national body to advocate for female suffrage.
- Through sustained campaigns, resolutions, and international advocacy, women leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur gradually chipped away at resistance, leading to the first victory with the 1919 Government of India Act.
- However, the initial enfranchisement was limited and conditional, excluding a large section of women. Further, the right to sit in legislative bodies remained elusive.
Beyond the Ballot Box:
- The feminist movement was not confined to political rights. Organizations like the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) spearheaded social reforms, tackling issues like child marriage, the age of consent, polygamy, and personal laws.
- The 1945-46 Indian Woman’s Charter of Rights and Duties demanded equality in all spheres, including economic empowerment, recognition of domestic work, and comprehensive personal code reforms.
- These demands laid the groundwork for future legislation like the Hindu Code Bill, demonstrating the lasting impact of the movement.
Debates and Diversity:
- The women’s movement was not monolithic. Debates arose around issues like reservation for women, with AIWC opposing separate electorates and arguing for a universal adult franchise.
- This diversity reflects the complexities of women’s experiences and the need for an inclusive approach to achieving true equality.
Conclusion
The 75th Republic Day serves as a powerful reminder of the tireless efforts of pre-independent India’s feminist movement. Their relentless fight for women’s rights, from securing suffrage to advocating for social reforms, laid the foundation for our modern democracy. As we celebrate our republic’s progress, we must acknowledge and honour their invaluable contribution to shaping the India we know today.
References
Practice Question
Discuss the role of pre-independent India’s feminist movements in securing women’s rights and influencing the shaping of the Indian Constitution. [150 words]