Law and You > Law and Society > Law Related to Women > The Status of Women in India
The status of women in India has evolved significantly over the centuries, shaped by diverse cultural, social, and political influences. Traditionally, women in India were often relegated to domestic roles, with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. However, in the modern era, women in India have made remarkable strides in various fields, including politics, business, education, and sports. Despite these advancements, women in India continue to face significant challenges related to gender inequality, such as gender-based violence, wage disparity, and limited access to healthcare and education in rural areas.
The Indian Constitution guarantees equality for women, but deep-rooted patriarchal norms and practices continue to affect their status. In urban centers, women are increasingly participating in the workforce and occupying leadership positions, while in rural regions, traditional customs still influence their roles and opportunities. Over the years, several government initiatives, legal reforms, and non-governmental efforts have sought to empower women and promote their rights. However, the path to achieving full gender equality remains complex, as cultural attitudes and systemic barriers often hinder womenโs progress. This article explores the current status of women in India, highlighting the challenges they face and the significant strides made toward empowering them.
The Status of Women in India
Every human society is invariably characterized by social difยญferentiations. Gender-based differentiation is one.ย Men had the role of earning and women had the role of reproduction of heirs and homemaking. Indian society is chained by orthodox traditions, superstitions, and myths and make beliefs. It is a society which has accepted patriarchal supremacy. Patriarchyย is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of the property. With the prevalence of male dominance, there were constraints imposed upon women in terms of the number of aspects, these include, acquisition of education, employment opportunities, forced child marriage, purdah system, sati, and so forth. It was presumed by society that a womenโs ultimate destination is marriage. Once married, the husband has total power over his wife.
Status of Women in Ancient India:
In the ancient Indus valley civilization of India, evidence shows the worship of the mother goddess. Thus the importance of a woman as a mother can be traced. During the Rig Vedic period, it is believed that the position of wife was honoured and womenโs position was acknowledged, especially in the performance of religious ceremonies. The education of young girls was considered an important qualification for marriage.ย Ghosha (she wrote hymns in the praise of Ashwini Kumars, physicians of gods), Lopamudra (wife of rishi Agasthya), Maitreyi (the woman seer, and philosopher), Gargi (the Vedic prophetess and philosopher) were known for their intelligence and were respected in their society. We can see some references in Vedic literature that in the Kshatriya society, brides had the exclusive right of selecting their life partners, through โSwayamvaraโ. In the Rig Vedic society, the dowry system was unknown. However, the concept of marriage was as a dan (gift) and known as โkanyadanโ. ย Monogamy was the general practice though Bigamy was also in practice, it was limited to the aristocratic classes. Thus we can conclude that the status of women in this period was primarily dependent upon their upbringing and the society in which they lived.
Status of Women in the Medieval Period:
Medieval Indian history spreads over 500 years. It is predominantly the history of Muslim rulers. With the advent of Muslims in India, the social movement of Indian women was restricted. When Hindu culture came in the clash with a culture far different from its own, the leaders of the society began to frame rules and laws to safeguard their interest especially the position of women. ย They were prohibited to attend public functions and were not free to participate as menโs equals in religious functions.ย Many social evils like female infanticide, Sati, child marriages, Purdah system, or zenana (the seclusion of women), Jauhar, and child marriage were being introduced. During this period child marriage was firmly enforced. Girls had to get married before puberty. The age of 8 was regarded as ideal. Early marriage was followed by early maternity, which increased mortality amongst women. In this period, there has been a decline in the ratio of women. Sex-selection abortion was regarded as the major factor that has led to this decline. Thus the liberty of women was curtailed by the community. Avenues for their education were lost they were excluded from all important decision-making processes. . During this period the concept of dowry thrived. Women virtually became exploited. Indian women were politically, socially, and economically inactive except for those engaged in farming and weaving.
Status of Women in the Colonial Era:
The British came to India in 1600 A. D. For nearly 200 years in their East India company incarnation there were no real efforts made to address questions of social inequality or social oppression. ย The need for cheap labour and exploitation of natural resources were at the core of the imperial economy and it did not initially touch upon the social scene. Hence social evils such as sati, suppression of widow, denial of the right to education for women, and child marriage flourished unchecked. At the advent of the British rule, the position of women in India was at its lowest ebb.
During the colonial era, many Indians acquired western education and were introduced to the concepts of freedom, equality, and fraternity proclaimed during the French revolution. These educated people emphasized the equality of women with men. They challenged the caste system. The British government took bold steps to reform the caste-ridden Indian social order.
Most of the reform movements Brahma Samaj of 1825 (Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy), Prarthana Samaj of 1897 (Founded by Dadoba Pandurang and Atmaram Pandurang) and Arya Samaj of 1875 (Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati), Satyashodhak Samaj (Founded by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule), and Widdow Remarriage Movement (By Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar) were led by male reformers who set the limit of the freedom and development of women.ย These reformers attacked only those practices that were extremely cruel or visibly violent (affecting only high caste Indian women). They rarely challenged the kinship structures of womenโs subordination, sanctity of marriage and family, the sexual division of labour, and caste hierarchies which perpetuated inequalities. Women reformers like Pandita Ramabai, Rukhmabai, and Tarabai Shinde pointed out the biases of their contemporary male reformers.ย Pandita Ramabai began the movement that put emphasis upon the freedom of women within the Indian society. During this period, there were many ladies, who mastered the art of martial arts.
The Sati (Abolition) Act, of 1829 is considered a great achievement of the reformist movement. There is an economic reason for the prevalence of widow immolation. Sati effectively prevents the inheritance by widows. The Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 was recognized by law in 1856.ย The Child Restriction Act, 1929, and The Woman Property Right Act, 1937 were some Acts passed during this period which helped in the social reformation in India. The Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act 1939 gave to a Muslim wife the right of judicial separation from her husband that was denied to her earlier.
In spite of some reforms, the status of women within the society was in an underprivileged state. They were not having any right to claim success in the property of their own family members. Therefore, as far as property matters are concerned, the position of women was not given recognition, as they were not given any inheritance rights. They were dependent upon the male members of the family for fulfilling all their needs and requirements.
Womenโs role in the Independence Movement:
Womanโs participation in Indiaโs freedom struggle began as early as in 1817. Bhima Bai Holkar fought bravely against the British colonel Malcolm and defeated him in guerilla warfare. Many women including Rani Channama of Kittur, Rani Begam Hazrat Mahal of Avadh fought against the British East India company in the 19th century. Rani Lakshmibai was the great warrior of the First War of Indian Freedom. She showed the embodiment of patriotism, self-respect, and heroism. Sarla Devi, Muthulaxmi Reddy, Susheela Nair, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, and Aruna Asaf Ali were some of the women who participated in the non-violent movement. Samiti, Suniti, Bina Das, Kalpana Dutta, and Preetilata Waddedar are well-known women revolutionaries.
Status of Women in Modern India (Post Independence):
Our revered Constitution framers were well aware of the subordinate and backward position of women in India. They, therefore, made sincere efforts to improve the entire situation in favour of women. The introduction of the concept of equality through various provisions in the Indian Constitution, followed by laws concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, widow remarriage, prohibition of sati, dowry, child marriage, etc., laid the foundation of their present status. The status of women in modern India has undergone significant changes, yet challenges remain. Women have made strides in education, employment, politics, and social rights, but they still face issues like gender discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities. Hereโs an overview:
Progress and Achievements:
India has made significant strides in the journey towards women empowerment over the past few decades. Women in India have moved from the confines of traditional roles to positions of leadership, business, politics, and education, thanks to various reforms and initiatives aimed at improving gender equality.
One of the most notable achievements has been the rise in female literacy rates. Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have also played a crucial role in promoting the education of girls and reducing the gender gap in education. In politics, women have made remarkable advancements. India is home to one of the worldโs largest womenโs political participation rates. The reservation of 33% seats for women in local government bodies has empowered women to take active roles in decision-making processes. Economic empowerment has also witnessed growth with more women entering the workforce. The rise of female entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors like fashion, technology, and agriculture, is reshaping the business landscape. Additionally, government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
Though challenges remain, Indiaโs progress in women empowerment is undeniable, with continued efforts to ensure equality and opportunities for women in all aspects of life.
Challenges and Issues:
Despite significant progress in women empowerment, India still faces several challenges that hinder the full realization of gender equality. One of the primary issues is the persistence of gender-based violence. Crimes such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking continue to plague the country, with many women still facing unsafe living and working environments. Although laws have been enacted to protect women, implementation remains weak, and many victims lack access to justice.
Another major challenge is the gender wage gap. Women in India continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts for the same work. Socio-cultural norms and a lack of opportunities for career advancement further contribute to this disparity, especially in rural areas. Womenโs participation in the formal workforce remains low, particularly in leadership roles, with many opting for part-time jobs or unpaid family labour due to societal pressures.
Access to education and healthcare also remains a concern, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. Despite progress in female literacy, many girls still face barriers to education due to early marriages, financial constraints, or a lack of infrastructure in remote areas. Health challenges, such as maternal mortality and limited access to reproductive health services, continue to affect women, particularly in rural India.
Lastly, deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes persist, undermining efforts to achieve true gender equality. Stereotypes about womenโs roles in the family and society continue to restrict their potential, limiting their empowerment. While India has made strides, these challenges highlight the need for sustained efforts and comprehensive reforms to ensure equal opportunities for women across the nation.
Government Initiatives for Womenโs Empowerment:
ย The Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality. These initiatives focus on education, health, economic independence, and social security, ensuring that women can lead a life of dignity and opportunity.
One of the significant programs is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015. It aims to address the declining child sex ratio, promote the importance of girl child education, and create awareness around womenโs rights. By encouraging families to educate and support their daughters, the program has had a positive impact on changing societal attitudes toward girls.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), initiated in 2016, focuses on improving womenโs health and safety by providing free LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) households. This initiative has not only reduced health hazards caused by traditional cooking methods but also enhanced the economic status of women in rural areas.
The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) program, launched under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, empowers rural women by providing them with opportunities for skill development, digital literacy, and economic independence. This initiative encourages the participation of women in decision-making processes at the grassroots level.
The MUDRA Yojana, introduced in 2015, offers financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, providing loans to start their businesses. This has been a game-changer in promoting financial independence among women.
Through these and other programs, the Indian government is making substantial strides toward addressing gender disparities and creating an environment where women can thrive and succeed in all areas of life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the status of women in India has undoubtedly improved over the years, significant challenges remain. Progress in areas such as education, employment, and political participation has allowed women to achieve new heights, with many now occupying leadership roles across various sectors. Government initiatives and legal reforms have played a crucial role in empowering women, addressing issues like child marriage, gender-based violence, and economic inequality. However, persistent cultural norms and social attitudes still limit the full realization of gender equality, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
Despite these challenges, women in India continue to break barriers and reshape societal norms. The ongoing efforts from the government, NGOs, and grassroots movements are pivotal in driving further change. The need for collective action to ensure equal opportunities for women, enhance their safety, and eliminate discrimination remains crucial. Achieving true gender equality in India will require sustained efforts in education, awareness, legal protection, and societal transformation.
As India moves forward, it must continue to prioritize womenโs rights and empowerment to unlock their full potential. Only then can the country achieve true progress, ensuring that women play an equal and vital role in shaping its future.