Evaluate the Changing Status of Women in India

India is a country with a long history and a rich cultural heritage. Throughout the centuries, women in India have played many important roles as mothers, daughters, wives, leaders, and contributors to society. However, their status has changed dramatically over time. From the ancient period to modern times, Indian women have seen highs and lows. Today, the status of women in India is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by progress and continuing challenges.

This article aims to evaluate the changing status of women in India socially, economically, politically, and culturally. It will also look at the steps taken by the government and society to uplift women, as well as the obstacles that still remain.

Ancient India: A Golden Period for Women

In ancient India, women held a respectable position in society. They had access to education, participated in religious ceremonies, and even composed hymns in the Vedas. Women like Gargi and Maitreyi were famous scholars and philosophers. The early Vedic period saw women enjoying relative freedom and equality.

·        Marriage was not forced, and child marriage was uncommon.

·        Widow remarriage was allowed.

·        Women could choose their own life partners (swayamvara).

·        They had property rights and were respected as the Goddess of the home.

However, this situation did not last forever.

Medieval India: A Period of Decline

During the medieval period, especially with the advent of foreign invasions and rigid social customs, the status of women started to decline. Patriarchal norms became more strict, and women lost many of their rights.

·        Child marriage became common.

·        The purdah system (veil) was introduced.

·        Sati (burning of widows) became a horrifying practice.

·        Girls were denied education and freedom.

Women were restricted to the domestic sphere, and their identity became tied to their husbands or fathers. This period saw women suffering under social evils and lack of opportunity.

British Period: The Dawn of Awakening

When the British came to India, some progressive changes began. Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotirao Phule, and others played a major role in fighting against social evils.

Major Reforms:

·        Sati was banned in 1829.

·        Widow remarriage was legalized in 1856.

·        The Age of Consent Act raised the minimum marriage age.

·        Women’s education was encouraged.

Organizations like the Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj pushed for women's rights. Women like Savitribai Phule, Annie Besant, and Pandita Ramabai fought for education and equality. The freedom movement also brought women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali to the frontlines.

Thus, the British era marked the beginning of social awareness and the demand for gender equality.

Post-Independence India: Legal Rights and Constitutional Support

After India gained independence in 1947, the Constitution of India gave equal rights to women. The framers of the Constitution ensured that men and women would be treated equally under the law.

Key Rights and Provisions:

·        Right to Equality (Article 14)

·        No discrimination based on gender (Article 15)

·        Equal opportunity in employment (Article 16)

·        Right to education (Article 21A)

·        Equal pay for equal work

Important Laws Passed:

·        Hindu Marriage Act (1955): Equal rights in marriage.

·        Dowry Prohibition Act (1961): Ban on giving/taking dowry.

·        Maternity Benefit Act (1961): Paid leave for pregnant women.

·        Domestic Violence Act (2005): Protection against abuse at home.

Women were now legally protected and given equal rights. However, social reality was still different from the law.

Women in Politics

Indian politics saw the rise of many powerful women leaders after independence. The most notable was Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only woman Prime Minister.

Other Prominent Women Politicians:

·        Sushma Swaraj

·        Sonia Gandhi

·        Mamata Banerjee

·        Mayawati

·        Smriti Irani

·        Nirmala Sitharaman

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments gave 33% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring their participation in grassroots politics.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, a step which is still pending full implementation.

Women in Education and Employment

One of the biggest achievements for women has been in the field of education. The literacy rate for women has increased significantly:

·        1951: Around 8%

·        2021: Over 70% (approx.)

Government schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, and Mid-day Meals have encouraged girls to go to school.

Employment:

Today, women work in all sectors technology, banking, media, politics, science, and even defense.

·        Women are CEOs, entrepreneurs, and scientists.

·        They serve as pilots, astronauts, and army officers.

·        They contribute to India’s start-up ecosystem.

·        Women in sports like P.V. Sindhu, Mary Kom, and Neeraj Chopra (coaching staff) have made the country proud.

However, challenges remain. Gender pay gaps, fewer leadership positions, and workplace harassment continue to hold back women’s full potential.

Women and Social Media

Social media has become a platform for women to express themselves, fight injustice, and support each other. Campaigns like:

·        #MeToo

·        #WomenForWomen

·        #SelfieWithDaughter

have brought attention to issues of abuse, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.

Many women influencers are using platforms like YouTube and Instagram to educate, entertain, and lead social change.

Government Schemes for Women Empowerment

India has launched several programs aimed at uplifting women:

1.Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – To save and educate the girl child.

2.Ujjwala Yojana – Free LPG connections for rural women.

3.Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Savings scheme for girls.

4.Mahila E-Haat – Online platform for women entrepreneurs.

5.One Stop Centres (Sakhi) – For women facing violence.

6.MUDRA Scheme – Loans for women-led startups.

These initiatives aim to give women financial independence, security, and confidence.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite progress, several problems continue to affect Indian women:

1. Violence and Safety:

·        Rape, domestic violence, acid attacks, and trafficking still haunt many women.

·        Fear of safety limits women’s freedom in public spaces.

2. Patriarchy and Social Norms:

·        Many communities still prefer sons over daughters.

·        Women are expected to do unpaid housework and child-rearing.

3. Economic Inequality:

·        Women earn less than men for the same work.

·        Many women work in informal sectors with no job security.

4. Limited Representation:

·        Fewer women in top leadership positions across fields.

·        Political representation still far from equal.

Positive Signs of Change

Despite challenges, change is happening slowly but surely.

·        More girls are going to school.

·        Women are becoming financially independent.

·        Urban and rural women are starting businesses.

·        Families are supporting daughters in careers.

·        Men are participating more in parenting.

Indian society is becoming more open, and younger generations are more aware of gender equality.

The Role of Media and Cinema

Indian cinema and television also play a role in shaping society’s views on women. In recent years, movies like:

·        Dangal

·        Pink

·        Chak De! India

·        Thappad

·        Gunjan Saxena

have portrayed strong, independent women and highlighted gender issues.

Media can influence attitudes and push for real social reform.

The journey of Indian women has been long and complex. From equal partners in ancient times to victims of social evils in the medieval era, to becoming change-makers in the 21st century, Indian women have come a long way.

Progress has been made, but the work is not yet done. Laws alone cannot ensure equality mindsets must also change. True women empowerment will come when every girl in India is educated, every woman is safe, and every citizen regardless of gender has equal opportunity to dream and succeed.

Let us work together to create an India where women are not just survivors but leaders, not just supporters but decision-makers. The changing status of women is not only a women’s issue it is a national priority. An empowered woman means an empowered nation.