5.3. Women’s Struggle for Equality and Rights

Because of the obvious biological and physical differences between men and women, gender inequality is often treated as natural. However, despite appearances, scholars have shown that the inequalities between men and women are social rather than natural. For example, there are no biological reasons that can explain why so few women are found in positions of public power. Nor can nature explain why women generally receive a smaller or no share in family property in most societies.

Gender inequality is often mistaken for a natural phenomenon, attributed to biological differences between men and women. However, researchers argue that these inequalities stem from social constructs rather than inherent differences. For example, the lack of women in leadership roles or property rights cannot be explained by biology alone; rather, societal structures and historical contexts are at play. Countries and cultures that have matrilineal systems, where women inherit and manage property, counter the idea that women are naturally unfit to hold power or property.

Think of a household where a family has a tradition of only the eldest son receiving the family business. If one day, the family decides to allow all children, regardless of gender, to contribute to and potentially inherit the business, that decision highlights how societal norms can be challenged and changed. It shows that the barriers women face are not due to their abilities but are rather cultural constructs.

The women’s question arose in modern India as part of the nineteenth century middle class social reform movements. The nature of these movements varied from region to region. They are often termed as middle class reform movements because many of these reformers were from the newly emerging western educated Indian middle class.

In India, the struggle for women's rights began gaining momentum during the nineteenth century, coinciding with social reform movements led by the rising middle class. These reformers were often influenced by Western ideas of democracy and social justice, and they sought to address issues affecting women's status in society. The movements aimed to challenge outdated traditions, bringing attention to practices like sati and child marriage. Each movement was unique, shaped by the cultural and social context of its region.

Imagine a group of students in a school advocating for better treatment and rights for their fellow classmates facing bullying. Just like those students draw from ideas of fairness and justice they learn at home or in books, the social reformers in India looked to both modern Western ideals and their own traditions to advocate for women's rights.

Many used both these resources to fight for women’s rights. We can only give illustrative examples here. We draw from the anti-sati campaign led by Raja Rammohun Roy in Bengal, the widow remarriage movement in the Bombay Presidency where Ranade was one of the leading reformers, from Jyotiba Phule’s simultaneous attack on caste and gender oppression, and from the social reform movement in Islam led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Key figures like Raja Rammohun Roy, M.G. Ranade, Jyotiba Phule, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan played pivotal roles in advocating for women's rights during the 19th century. Rammohun Roy's anti-sati campaign sought to end the practice where widows were forced to self-immolate on their husband's pyre, highlighting the need for social reform. Ranade focused on widow remarriage, arguing that religious texts supported the right of widows to remarry, thereby challenging prevailing norms. Phule linked gender equality to caste discrimination, envisioning a society free from oppressive social structures.

Consider the story of a coach who recognizes that girls on a sports team are often overlooked compared to boys, despite their skills. The coach advocates for equal recognition and opportunities for the girls, emphasizing their achievements not just on the field but also pushing for equal treatment in awards and funding. Similarly, these reformers fought for women's rights by challenging societal norms and advocating for their recognition and empowerment.

It is often assumed that social reform for women’s rights was entirely fought for by male reformers and that ideas of women’s equality are alien imports. ... Stree Purush Tulana written in 1882 and Sultana’s Dream written in 1905.

While many male reformers contributed to the movement for women's rights, women also played an essential role in advocating for their equality. Works like Tarabai Shinde's 'Stree Purush Tulana' challenged the societal norms that oppressed women by emphasizing the hypocrisy of blaming women for moral failings while absolving men. Similarly, Begum Rokeya Hossain's 'Sultana’s Dream' creatively envisioned a world where gender roles were reversed, demonstrating women's potential in leadership and innovation. These writings showcase the importance of women's voices in the discourse on equality.

Imagine two friends writing a podcast to highlight issues faced by youth today. While one friend takes the lead in creating content, both actively share their views and experiences. Just like both friends contribute different perspectives to their project, women throughout history have had their unique voices and ideas in advocating for their rights, challenging the narrative that only men fought for women's equality.

In 1931, the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress issued a declaration on the Fundamental Rights of Citizenship in India whereby it committed itself to women’s equality... No disability attaches to any citizen, by reason of his or her religion, caste, creed or sex.

The declaration made by the Indian National Congress in 1931 marked a significant step towards recognizing women's rights as fundamental human rights. It emphasized that all citizens, regardless of gender, should have equal rights before the law. This declaration set the stage for future legal reforms aimed at improving women's status in society. Following independence, various laws were enacted to further safeguard women's rights, including their right to vote and hold office in public life.

Think of a group of friends establishing a rule for their community to ensure everyone has a say. Once that rule is announced, it creates a guideline for fairness and respect among all members. Just like that, the declaration in 1931 laid down a foundation for equal rights, insisting on fairness and equal opportunity for women in society.

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