Daily Current Affairs : 29-January-2024
India’s path to becoming a republic involved the tireless efforts of many individuals, with women playing a crucial yet often overlooked role. Their contributions in the struggle for national freedom and women’s rights, particularly the right to vote, significantly shaped the country’s history. This essay explores the multifaceted roles women played during this transformative period.
Women’s Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
During India’s fight for independence, women emerged as key players in various capacities, including leadership, activism, and social reform. Their involvement was marked by several important actions:
- Mass Mobilization: Women participated in protests, marches, and boycotts. For instance:
- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay organized the Salt Satyagraha, mobilizing thousands of women in Bombay.
- Women in Bengal protested against the Simon Commission, donning black sarees as a symbol of resistance.
- Female students joined the Quit India movement, challenging societal norms by participating in strikes and rallies.
- Underground Activism: Some women engaged in revolutionary activities against British rule:
- Bhikaji Cama unfurled the Indian flag in Germany in 1907.
- Kalpana Dutt transported weapons for revolutionary groups.
- Aruna Asaf Ali carried out sabotage during the Quit India movement.
- Social Reforms: Many women connected the freedom struggle with social reforms:
- Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Annie Besant advocated for women’s political representation.
- Pandita Ramabai fought for widows’ rights and reforms against oppressive traditions.
- Leadership Roles: Women such as Lakshmi Sahgal and Sucheta Kripalani held significant positions in various organizations.
Feminist Movements in Pre-Independent India
Women also played a vital role in advocating for their rights, ensuring these were recognized in the Constitution:
- 1917 Memorandum: Activists urged enfranchisement for women.
- Formation of the Women’s Indian Association: Established to address socio-economic challenges, it was the first national body pushing for female suffrage.
- Advocacy in Congress: Sarojini Naidu proposed resolutions for women’s enfranchisement.
- Enfranchisement Successes: In 1921, Madras became the first province to grant women the right to vote.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in Post-Independence India
Following independence, the Constitution laid the groundwork for gender equality:
- Legal Framework: Articles guarantee rights to equality, life, and property.
- National Commission for Women: This body reviews and recommends measures for women’s rights.
- Laws Supporting Women: Key laws include the Equal Remuneration Act and the Domestic Violence Act.
Economic Contributions
Women contribute significantly to India’s economy:
- GDP Contribution: Women account for about 17-18% of GDP, particularly in farming and dairy sectors.
- Entrepreneurship: Women have excelled in business, with leaders like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw breaking barriers.
Education and Employment
- Higher Education: Women now represent nearly 49% of students in higher education.
- Workforce Participation: Women constitute 34% of the IT workforce, striving for gender parity in STEM fields.
Grassroots Democracy and Social Movements
Women have also engaged in grassroots governance and social movements:
- Local Self-Government: Laws now reserve 33% of seats for women in local governance.
- Social Activism: Women led movements like Chipko and Narmada Bachao Andolan, highlighting their dedication to environmental and social justice.
Important Points:
Key Contributions of Women in India’s Journey to Republic
- Mass Mobilization:
- Participation in protests and boycotts, such as the Salt Satyagraha led by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
- Women in Bengal protested against the Simon Commission, symbolizing resistance.
- Female students joined the Quit India movement, challenging social norms.
- Underground Activism:
- Bhikaji Cama unfurled the Indian flag in Germany in 1907.
- Kalpana Dutt transported weapons for revolutionary groups.
- Aruna Asaf Ali conducted sabotage activities during the Quit India movement.
- Social Reforms:
- Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Annie Besant advocated for women’s political representation.
- Pandita Ramabai fought for widows’ rights and reforms against oppressive traditions.
- Leadership Roles:
- Women like Lakshmi Sahgal and Sucheta Kripalani held significant positions in the freedom struggle.
- Feminist Movements:
- 1917 Memorandum urged enfranchisement for women.
- Formation of the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) for female suffrage.
- Sarojini Naidu’s advocacy within Congress for women’s rights.
- Post-Independence Legal Framework:
- Constitutional guarantees for equality and rights to life and property.
- Establishment of the National Commission for Women.
- Key laws supporting women’s rights, such as the Equal Remuneration Act and Domestic Violence Act.
- Economic Contributions:
- Women contribute about 17-18% to India’s GDP.
- Increased presence in entrepreneurship, with notable leaders breaking barriers.
- Education and Employment:
- Women hold nearly 49% of higher education enrollment.
- Representation of women in the IT workforce at 34%.
- Grassroots Democracy and Social Movements:
- 33% reservation for women in local self-government.
- Leadership in social movements like Chipko and Narmada Bachao Andolan, advocating for justice and environmental protection.
Why In News
The article highlights the often-underappreciated role of women in India’s journey toward becoming a republic, emphasizing their significant contributions to securing national freedom and advancing women’s rights, particularly the right to vote, while also showcasing how their activism laid the groundwork for ongoing movements for gender equality.
MCQs about Women’s Crucial Role in India’s Path to Republic
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What significant role did women play in India’s freedom struggle?
A. They solely focused on domestic responsibilities.
B. They participated in protests, boycotts, and revolutionary activities.
C. They were not involved in the movement at all.
D. They only supported male leaders from the sidelines.
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Which organization was established in 1917 to advocate for women’s rights in India?
A. All India Women’s Conference
B. Women’s Indian Association
C. Indian National Congress
D. National Commission for Women
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What landmark achievement for women’s voting rights occurred in 1921?
A. The adoption of the Indian Woman’s Charter
B. Madras became the first province to grant women the right to vote
C. The Government of India Act 1935 was enacted
D. The Nehru Report was published
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Which law guarantees the right to equality for women in India’s Constitution?
A. Article 39
B. Article 300-A
C. Article 14
D. Article 21
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