Evolution of Women Rights in India

Source: The post Evolution of women’s rights in India has been created, based on the article “75th Republic Day of India: The women who fought for our rights” published in “Indian express” on 27th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society- Role of women and women’s organization.

Evolution of Women Rights in India, This article discusses the history of women’s rights in India. It covers their struggle for voting rights, participation in government, social reforms, and economic empowerment. It also highlights key figures and organizations involved in these movements.

How Women Rights Evolved in India Before partition?

Voting Rights: Women’s struggle for voting rights began with the Government of India Act 1919. Madras was the first province to give this right in 1921, followed by Bombay and United Provinces. Bengal initially rejected women’s voting rights (enfranchisement Bill), but after campaigns by Bangiya Nari Samaj, it was granted in 1925. However, these rights were initially limited to women meeting certain property or income criteria.

Legislative Participation: The Nehru Report of 1929 proposed equal civic rights for all. Despite Britain’s reluctance, Indian leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Shareefa Hamid Ali advocated for these rights internationally. The Government of India Act 1935 expanded women’s voting rights and allowed them to hold public office, leading to women participating in the 1936-37 elections.

Social Reforms: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC), formed in 1927, initially focused on education but later campaigned against child marriage, for raising the age of consent, and against polygamy. They sought to reform religious laws to empower women, including in economic aspects and inheritance rights.

Indian Woman’s Charter of Rights and Duties: Adopted in 1945-46, this charter demanded equality in all areas, especially highlighting economic empowerment and recognition of domestic work. It influenced laws like the Hindu Code Bill, which came into effect a decade later.

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How Did Women Influence Post-Partition Policies?

Opposition to Religious Seat Reservations: Influential leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, a Christian, and Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, a Muslim, argued in the Constituent Assembly against reserving seats based on religion.

Advocating for Unified Electorates: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC) strongly opposed separate electorates. They believed such systems deepened communal divisions.

Against Women’s Reservation: AIWC also argued against reservations specifically for women in politics, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach.

Influencing Constitutional Debates: Their arguments and activism were pivotal in shaping post-partition policies, particularly in the framing of the Constitution where reservation was eventually limited to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Way forward

The way forward involves continuing the work of earlier feminists by pushing for more inclusive policies and legal reforms. This includes expanding women’s economic rights, advocating for equal property and inheritance laws, and addressing the societal challenges that still hinder women’s full participation in all areas of life.

Question for practice:

Discuss the historical progression of women’s rights in India, encompassing voting rights, legislative participation, and social reforms before partition.