When Did the Women’s Rights Movement Start in India?
The women's rights movement in India can be traced back to the 19th century with the emergence of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who advocated for the education and empowerment of women. However, the movement gained momentum in the early 20th century with the formation of various women's organizations and the participation of women in the Indian independence struggle.
In 1917, the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) was formed to address issues such as women's education, property rights, and suffrage. In 1927, the National Council of Women in India (NCWI) was established, which worked towards the same goals as the AIWC.
In 1947, India gained independence, and the Constitution of India was adopted in 1950, which guaranteed equal rights to men and women. The Constitution also provided for reservations for women in local government bodies.
In the decades that followed, women's rights movements continued to advocate for equal opportunities and rights for women, including equal pay, reproductive rights, and an end to gender-based violence. Notable women's rights organizations include the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) and the Centre for Women's Development Studies (CWDS).
Overall, the women's rights movement in India has a long and complex history, and while significant progress has been made in recent decades, there is still much work to be done to achieve full gender equality.