Feminist movements in India have historically lacked inclusivity, often growing within a limited Western upper-class psyche. Critically discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Introduction
Feminist Movements in India grew since 1970s after the UN Decade of Women pushed for a report. 'Towards Equality' revealed glaring state of women in India.
26 words
Main Body
While women had the Right to vote, there was
low education
Lacked inclusivity as :-
-i- Reactive in Nature
eg The 'Forum Against Rape' was established only after Mathura
rape case tragedy .
-ii- Led by elites and intellectuals
eg Prof Upendra Baxi's articles in newspapers
-iii- Women are not a homogeneous group as held by bell hooks
eg Tribal women, lower caste, poor women were excluded
-iv- Western psyche: The Right to Vote was considered sufficient as per the First wave of feminism.
eg Sarojini Naidu was against reservation of women as political equality would ensure representation
-v- Lacked any charter of demand
Even baby, feminist movement are limited as
-i- CAG highlighted more than 50% Nirbhaya not whired
-ii- Reactive bureaucracy
eg Hyderabad rape care
-iii- Role of Caste: Kathua rape case shows glazing strain vein
-iv- Bilski Bano's convert released led to controversy but no united front
-iv- Lack of constitutional status for National commission of women
Present Status:
low GFR in higher education
↓ LPFR is lower at 28%
↓ More only women are only
Yet the feminist movement reiterated a revolution for the dawn of an era of equality. As per BR Ambedkar, 'The progress of a country can be judged by the status of its women'
Conclusion
To fulfil 'Pancil Pran' of gender equality we need feminists make Financial demand → Budget Social political Reservation
18 words
- Historical context provided
- Contemporary issues highlighted
- Statistical indicators
Ishitha Kishore
Role of Women and Women's Organization
Women
Feminist Movements in India
301
Total words
15
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