STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIA 

Introduction :- Women are considered as the soul of a society. They are self-trained and self-empowered humans responsible for the moral and overall development of their children. They are a great inspiration to the family and a leading example to the society. The social stratification of women in India considers them as a second rate citizen of the country. This subjugation is no more atrocious than the violence a woman experiences in her domestic setup. The act of violence and sexual abuse against a woman is active even today in every society in the boundaries of education, class, age, and culture.

Women in India in Ancient Age :- 

Women, in the early ages, were very educated but suffered from the evils of society. Some open-minded citizens like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others worked for the wellbeing of women. Thus, the practices of sati, child marriage, and others were abolished. Various acts such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act were passed in this direction. Mahatma Gandhi also emphasized the abolition of child marriages. Women were also provided training in martial arts. Moreover, women acquired a significant position in politics. Sarojini Naidu was a key figure in this context. She was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the governor of a state in India. Indira Gandhi was another woman who stood out in a male-dominated field. She became India’s first female Prime Minister and effectively led the country for fourteen years, contributing to domestic and financial progress.

Women of Present India :- 

Modern India or Free India has witnessed some to many developments in the social position and status of women. Many reformers in India have worked for the betterment and upliftment of women’s condition in society. They have attained consciousness of their privileges and rights in the country. They are educationally, politically, socially, and economically progressed and take active participation in various fields. Their participation is vital for the development of the country, and yet there is any room for compliancy. The government abolishes social practices like child marriage, Female Infanticide, Dowry, and Sati. Despite abolishment, due to lack of awareness, women struggle with their Freedom. A woman cannot attain complete Freedom unless she comes forward and organizes the power to elevate herself in society. Many parts of Rural India still practice Child Marriage and Female Infanticide, there is much that needs to be done regarding the improvement of women’s status. To combat these, women should raise their voice against those dominating them. They need to fight against the social evils that restrains them.

Women in Free India :- 

Gender equality :- Women today are eager to take up professions and work. Thus, they enjoy equal respect and dignity in the family. Women in free India also enjoy equal pay for equal work in comparison to men. Also, there are provisions for maternity leave for them. Furthermore, females are provided equality of opportunity under Article 16 of the Constitution of India.

Women and Politics :- The maximum figure of female politicians in the world is from India. Women have occupied significant positions i.e. of President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and other high offices. “Indira Gandhi”, is the first female who held the office of the Prime Minister for 15 years. 

Educational Status :- The girls in urban areas are almost at par in education with the boys. But there is a less educated female population in rural areas. This has also affected the social and economic development of rural India. The poor (hygienic facilities) facilities at school and lack of female staff have affected education. Kerala and Mizoram have a universal literacy rate.

Evils Against Women :- The violence against women in India includes kitchen fires for want of dowry, sexual assaults, cases of rape, prostitution, throwing of acid. Also, the evils of child marriages are also widespread even today. Female infanticide, indecent behaviour, and honour killings add to the misery of the women. Also, sex-selective abortion is a deep-rooted evil leading to inequality in the sex ratio.

Finality :- In short, even not a complete change, the current status of India sees a steady transformation of women compared to the past ages. The current status of women notices active participation in politics, military, economics, technology, and various other sectors. Thus, women occupy an elevated position in their family and society.