Status of Women in Post-Independence India

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

During the post-independence India, improvements were made in terms of various

areas that led to well-being of women within the society. There were formulation of many
programs and schemes that had the main objective of bringing about progressive among
women. Encouraging them towards acquisition of education and participation in the
employment settings are the main aspects that promote women empowerment. In spite of
initiation of the measures and policies, still in some of the rural communities, women are
regarded as subordinates to men. One of the unfortunate areas is, throughout the country,
women and girls are subjected to abuse and mistreatment. But with the advent of
globalization and industrialization, women are acquiring development opportunities. The
women, belonging to urban communities are mainly enhancing their livelihoods through
acquisition of good education and acquiring employment opportunities. The main areas that
have been taken into account in this research paper include, status of women in post-
independence India, empowerment of women, gender issues in post-independent India,
political participation of women and problems of working women.

Keywords: Empowerment, Gender Issues, Political Participation, Progression, Post-

Independence, Status, Women

Though at the time of independence, before the Constitution of India, some reforms in
the state of law were carried out by the British rulers at the instance of the Indian social
reformers, like Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The concept of women, that they should not undergo
any form of mistreatment, should be given equal rights and opportunities and should be
treated with respect and courtesy were the major concerns. There have been cases of women,
who participated in the movement of independence by the country against the British rule.
Since the country achieved its independence, the all India women’s conference developed
interest in constructive work and left its attitude of the pre-independence era. The activities,
since independence led to the enactment of some of the legislations, concerning women.
Some of the significant ones are, The Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and
Children Act 1954, The Special Marriage Act 1954, The Guardianship Act 1956, Interstate
Succession Act 1956, The Orphanage and Widow Home Act 1960 and the Dowry Prohibition
Act 1961 (Chapter II, n.d.).

The status of women in the post-independence period underwent transformations. In

the discussion of their status within the society, there are two main aspects that need to be
taken into consideration, first is extent of actual control of women over their own living
conditions and the extent to which they possess the decision making authority and perform
their tasks and activities in a well-organized manner. Women constituted half of the
population within the Indian society. They have been rendering a significant contribution in
the development of human resources. Hence, it is vital to encourage them in participating in
the decision making processes, acquiring educational opportunities, getting engaged in
employment and sustaining their livelihoods in an enhanced manner. The National Policy on
the Empowerment of Women in India, 2001, is regarded as one of the important strategies in
the development process and led to changes within the socio-economic environment. With
these changes, transformations also came about in the status of women (Women in Society,
n.d.).

Status of Women in Post-Independence India

The Universal declaration of human rights states that motherhood and childhood
requires special care and protection. The Constitution of India makes provision of equality,
liberty and right to life to all the citizens of the country. The citizens of the country are also
required to give up the customs and practices that imposed unfavourable effects upon the
status of women. The Constitution of India has incorporated norms and policies that are
primarily focused upon enhancing the status of women. From 1950, with the introduction of
democratic constitution, it has granted equal social and political rights to women (Nandal, &
Rajnish, 2014). Each state has been imposed with an obligation to maintain law and order and
justice to women. Despite the laws, treaties and declarations, the status of women have not
been given much recognition and they are still treated as inferior to men (Status/Position of
Women in Society, n.d.).

The women’s movement began to get initiated in 1920s, building on the 19th century
social reform movement. The progression of the women’s movement was observed during
the period of high nationalism and struggle for independence. Among many achievements of
the movement, the most significant were the constitutional guarantees of equal rights for
women and universal adult suffrage in independent India. However, these approaches did not
bring about changes in the status of women to a much greater extent. A new women’s
movement articulated to mass and politics and it emerged in the 1970s (Sen, 2000). In the
present existence, the individuals, primarily belonging to rural communities, who possess
traditional viewpoints and perspectives, still long for a male child and regard females as
burdens. In India, the behaviour of men is deeply rooted within the society. They possess the
viewpoint that they are more capable and superior as compared to women and have the right
to exercise control, authority and make important decisions.

Transformations have been bought about in the status of women. They are rendering
an important contribution in social, political, cultural, economic and religious fields. Women
are getting enrolled in educational institutions and pursuing higher education. They are
attaining Bachelors, Masters and doctoral degrees and are acquiring employment
opportunities. Women are employed in reputed educational institutions, organizations and
other areas. They are doctors, researchers, educationists, managers, administrators, directors,
politicians, lawyers, engineers and so forth. The participation of women in the society is
regarded as the most notable and this is primarily because of the changing values. When
acquiring an understanding of the status of women in post-independence India, it is vital to
generate awareness in terms of the factors and these have been stated as follows:

Usage of Technology

Technology is regarded to have rendered a significant contribution in reforming the

lives of the individuals. Women, who have not been enrolled in educational institutions, or
possess less education or no education at all, are generating information in terms of usage of
technology. With the use of technology, they not only are able to get engaged in leisure
activities, but also are able to work and generate a source of income. The benefits of
technology are numerous. Individuals in the present existence, are depended upon technology
for carrying out number of tasks and activities. These include, paying bills, making
purchases, etc. they are able to acquire knowledge and information in terms of various areas
and so forth. Research has indicated that elderly women, who are even above the age of 90
years are learning technology. The reason being, women, belonging to all age groups and
backgrounds have acquired an understanding that it is essential for them to acquire
technology education to not only bring about improvements within their socio-economic
conditions, but also to enhance their overall quality of life. The changes that have come about
in technology with the developments and advancements taking place have provided new
opportunities to women.

Educational Opportunities

In the present existence, individuals belonging to all communities and backgrounds

have recognized the significance of education. Education not only enables girls and women to
hone their academic skills, but they are able to generate awareness in terms of other aspects
as well. Girls too are getting enrolled in schools and higher educational institutions to pursue
education. The acquisition of education has enabled women to understand the difference
between appropriate and inappropriate. An educated woman or a girl will be able to work
towards encouraging education and development of literacy skills among women and
children, who are experiencing setbacks, due to lack of education. There are establishment of
government and non-government organizations, who are working for promoting education
among the marginalized, deprived and socio-economically backward sections of the society.
Improvements in educational opportunities are regarded as one of the indispensable aspects
that have contributed towards promoting well-being of women. Education enables women to
acquire independence and not entirely be dependent upon others. Household management is
regarded as the primary task that women are engaged in. Education enables them to
implement all household responsibilities in a well-organized manner. These include,
household chores, maintenance of the house, child development, health care, taking care of
the needs and requirements of the elderly family members and so forth.

Employment Opportunities

Whether women belong to urban or rural communities and whether they are educated
or not, in some cases, it is considered important for women to get engaged in employment to
supplement family income. Getting engaged in employment opportunities is regarded as one
of the crucial aspects in leading to their empowerment. Employment opportunities not only
enhance the skills and abilities of women, and generate income, but they are able to bring
about improvements within their overall quality of life. When the income generated by the
male members is not sufficient to meet all the needs and requirements of the household and
family, then it is necessary for women to get engaged in some types of employment
opportunities. Well educated women, are normally engaged in reputed jobs in educational
institutions and organizations, whereas, some women establish their own businesses, or set up
nursery schools or training centres. The women belonging to rural communities are the ones,
who are employed in the agricultural sector and implement farming practices. They may or
may not possess the basic literacy skills. Women are also engaged in manufacturing and
production of handicrafts and artworks and carry out their own businesses of food items.
Hence, it can be stated, women are engaged in different types of employment opportunities,
in accordance to their skills and abilities.

Prevention of Criminal and Violent Acts

Women have been subjected to criminal and violent acts since ancient times. In the
medieval and Mughal period, there have been prevalence of practices, which led to
degradation in the status of women in society. These practices include, sati, child marriage,
female foeticide, female infanticide, polygamy, and women experienced various forms of
abuse and mistreatment. In the present existence too, there has been prevalence of crime and
violence against women. It takes place within as well as outside the home. The most
prevalent criminal and violent acts are, verbal abuse, physical abuse, rape, sexual harassment,
trafficking, discriminatory treatment, theft and murder. In India, even girls, who are below 10
years of age are experiencing these acts. Severe disciplinary action is been implemented and
doers are subjected to stringent penalties. This is particularly with regards to minor girls.
Hence, in order to enhance the status women and above all lead to progress and development
of the community and nation, it is vital to treat women with respect and courtesy, make
provision of equal rights and opportunities and not discriminate against them on the basis of
any factors such as, caste, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, occupation and socio-economic
background.

Empowerment of Women

When acquiring an understanding of the empowerment of women, then it is not only

focused upon their material development, but it is oriented towards mere economic growth. It
usually renders a significant contribution in the overall development strategy. The status of
women is primarily recognized within the society as a householder. As householders, they
perform number of tasks and activities. Therefore, when a woman is educated and
empowered, then she would be able to carry out the job duties in a well-organized manner.
On the other hand, if she is uneducated, and experiences discriminatory treatment, then she
would experience problems in the implementation of household tasks and activities.
 The women, normally belonging to underprivileged sections of the society are the
ones, who are experiencing number of challenges and problems in facing empowerment
opportunities. Women empowerment should be construed as the overall development of their
faculty of self-realization, self-image, recognition and economic development, which holds a
key to their actual development (Chapter 2, n.d). In other words, the provision of
empowerment opportunities for women lead to their overall development. They are able to
acquire recognition within the society. Women empowerment has ceased to be a local or a
national issue (Chapter 2, n.d).

United Nations Charter, which significantly projected discrimination against women

is regarded as the worldwide problem. With the primary objective of weeding out the charter,
in its Preamble, stated to uphold the Fundamental Rights as one of the human rights and
equality should be maintained between men and women (Chapter 2, n.d). Workplaces, public
places and households, men and women should be regarded equal and there should not be any
discrimination between them on the basis of any factors. This sufficiently depicts the concern
of the international community, espoused with regards to the rights of the women in general
and their right to equality with men in particular. The declaration provides that all rights and
fundamental freedoms are available to men and women on an equal basis, without any kind
of discrimination. Therefore, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also rendered a
significant contribution in protecting the rights of women (Chapter 2, n.d).

In India, the seed of women empowerment has been sowed in the early 18th century on
an international level. It began to be recognized in India in the 19th century. The Indian
community is regarded as more articulate with noticeable preference for men and women, as
reflected in the nutritional and health differentials and noticeable differences in the mortality
rate of boys and girls. It has been observed that girls receive health care facilities and medical
assistance less frequently as compared to boys. This is regarded as one of the major
impediments within the course of attainment of empowerment opportunities. There has been
prevalence of malnutrition among girls more as compared to boys. Due to malnutrition, the
rate of maternal mortality is quite high within the country. It has been observed that despite
the restraints imposed on child marriages, which is quite common in some rural communities.
It adds that prostitution is widespread within the country (Chapter 2, n.d).

The giving of dowry at the time of marriage is regarded as an unlawful practice. The
brides often become subjected to psychological and physical abuse, when they are unable to
satisfy the avarice for more and more dowry, after they have been wedded. It reiterates that
the prevalence of more violence against the girls is considered as the most pervasive and the
least recognized human rights abuse in the world (Chapter 2, n.d). There has been prevalence
of crime and violence against women throughout the country. In order to promote
empowerment opportunities among them, it is vital to take into consideration various factors.
These are, women should be treated with respect and courtesy, they should not be subjected
to abuse and mistreatment, equal opportunities should be provided to them, particularly in
terms of acquisition of education and employment and families and communities should not
consider them as liabilities.

Women empowerment has to be observed as associated to the total process of social

change leading to a fair society, in which there are not any differentiations or prejudices. The
success of women empowerment is primarily based upon the success of the supportive socio-
economic policies and simultaneous changes in the political process. The implementation of
operations in terms of all the strategies are required to be spontaneous to achieve the desired
results. To put into operation, the strategies and approaches, it is vital to conduct an analysis
in terms of status of women. The women, who are well educated and are engaged in good
employment opportunities do not have to be concerned in acquiring empowerment
opportunities. Whereas, women, who are not educated, are struggling to make ends meet, and
are often experiencing abuse and mistreatment are the ones, who primarily need to be
concerned in terms of empowerment opportunities.

Gender Issues in Post-Independent India

Gender based differences and prevalence of violence has taken place not only in
India, but in other countries of the world. Gender issues are regarded as a serious problem
that has been experienced by women. In some cases, when women and men, both are
employed in organizations, women are not given equal pay as men for the performance of
same job duties, hence, they experience discrimination in terms of pay. Women are not
employed in manual jobs, as it is believed that they do not possess the capabilities to perform
manual jobs. Hence, men were assigned manual job duties. On the other hand, men consider
themselves to be more capable as compared to women and abuse and mistreat them. Research
has indicated that individuals, who are not educated, who are residing in the conditions of
poverty and backwardness are the ones, who mistreat women. Whereas, educated individuals,
who are engaged in reputed jobs, normally treat women on an equal basis.
 In rural communities, individuals have recognized the significance of education. But
they possess the viewpoint that education should be provided to the male children. The rural
communities in some cases, are of the viewpoint that if they educate the male children, then
they would acquire good employment opportunities and work towards enhancing the
reputation of not only the family but also the community. Whereas, girl children are regarded
as liabilities. It is believed that girls would only make demands and would yield no return on
investment. The girls were trained in terms of implementation of household responsibilities,
and take care of younger siblings and elderly members of the household, particularly when
their parents go to work. Even if they have been enrolled in schools, they are compelled to
drop out of schools, before their educational skills are honed. The parents usually do not
believing in sending their girls to schools, because they primarily possessed the viewpoint
that they have to eventually get married and would not be able to make use of educational
skills in any manner. They primarily would need to manage the household responsibilities in
their marital homes.

The individuals, who belong to deprived, marginalized and socio-economically

backward sections of the society are the ones, who normally give more preference to the male
children, as compared to female children. When they have both sons and daughters in the
family, and have limited income, then they normally spend resources in taking care of the
needs and requirements of their sons. The male children are treated with respect and care,
better food is provided to them and parents ensure to take proper care of their health and
well-being. They are encouraged to be informative and strong, so they can take care of their
parents and other household requirements, when they become mature. Whereas, girls are
provided with proper training in terms of taking care of the household functions, they were of
reticent nature and usually were not allowed to give their ideas and suggestions. The girls are
required to follow the instructions that have been imposed upon them by the male members
of the household.

The overall development of women get effected due to gender inequalities. The
gender issues that have been created by the society degrades the position of women in all
forms. The society has created issues by making demands for dowry. Dowry is referred to the
price, which the bride’s parents are required to pay to the groom’s parents, at the time of
marriage. The dowry is considered as the major issue, which enables the families as well as
the communities to regard girls as burdens. The families belonging to deprived, marginalized
and socio-economically backward sections of the society normally experience problems in
paying dowry, hence, they do not feel contented upon the birth of the girl child. It is vital for
the society to bring about changes within the attitudes and perspectives, particularly in terms
of girls and women.

When the girl child is born within the family, she should be made aware in terms of
values, cultures and principles. Girls should be encouraged towards acquisition of education.
Upon completion of education, they should be encouraged towards engagement in
employment opportunities. When the women have accumulated financial resources, then
marriage should be arranged. Hence, it can be stated that making provision of opportunities
for women, would not only enable them to augment the status and well-being of their
families, but when they are well-educated, they would be able to sustain the livelihood
opportunities in a well-organised manner.

Political Participation of Women

In India, women acquired the right to vote, after the country achieved its
independence. In India, women did not have to undergo problems and challenges in seeking
the right to vote as compared to women in America and Britain. The leaders of India,
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and others had put emphasis upon mass participation in the
country’s struggle for independence. When the large number of women came together, they
expressed their concern in the legislative assembly as well. The number of movements that
were initiated for independence also gave opportunities to women to participate. The political
participation of women is further strengthened by their participation in the Parliament and
Lok Sabha. They constitute 10 percent of the legislators according to the 1955 International
Parliamentary Union in the Parliament and at the Lok Sabha (Status/Position of Women in
Society, n.d.).

Research has indicated that women hold just 11.7 percent of the seats in the
Parliament around the world. Success at the panchayat level is based on the accomplishments
in terms of the reservations for women. There were establishment of women’s organizations,
which depict that it is the appropriate time to extent these reservations up to the higher levels.
At the panchayat level, women experience number of issues. In addition, they experience
opposition to a major extent, the reason being, the male members of the panchayat do not
consider them equal. Family members are also the ones, who experience problems and often
compel them to resign from their positions. The states of Karnataka and West Bengal are
regarded as good examples, where women have reserved their seats to 33 percent and 42
percent respectively. This information depicts that if women are provided opportunities, then
they can excel in any field. Support, assistance, motivation and encouragement are regarded
as the main factors that lead to progression of women (Status/Position of Women in Society,
n.d.).

Problems of Working Women

In India, women are engaged in numerous employment opportunities. Acquisition of

employment opportunities primarily depends upon educational qualifications, skills and
abilities, and personality traits. The women, who are engaged in employment opportunities in
organizations or institutions experience number of problems. The problems that women
experience within the workplace have been stated as follows:

Working Environmental Conditions – In order to perform one’s job duties well and
achieve the desired personal and professional goals, it is vital to form appropriate working
environmental conditions. Within the working environment, it is vital to make provision of
proper facilities, equipment, materials, technology, furniture and infrastructure. Particularly,
when women remain in the office for long hours, then they prefer having amiable working
environmental conditions. In the present existence, technology is considered as prominent in
the implementation of job duties, therefore, it is vital to ensure that it is properly maintained.
Hence, when proper materials and equipment will not be available, then they would
experience problems in performing their job duties in a well-organised manner.

Unavailability of Technology, Materials and Infrastructure – In order to carry out

various job duties, whether it is production, manufacturing, project work, research,
preparation of presentations, and so forth, individuals require proper materials, technology
and infrastructure. Unavailability of these factors imposes problems in the implementation of
job duties. Another vital aspect is, it is essential for the workforce to possess adequate
knowledge and be efficiently trained in terms of usage of technology and other materials.
Unawareness and lack of knowledge is regarded as a major problem. It is the job duty of the
supervisors to ensure that employees are efficient in the implementation of job duties.

Ineffective Training and Development Programs – Training and development

programs are regarded as an integral part of organizational structures. The main purpose of
these programs is to ensure that members of the organization are well equipped and possess
the necessary information in terms of all aspects of the organization. These programs are
normally required to be attended by the employees upon their recruitment. Within the course
of time, when any modern or innovative strategies and approaches come about, then too
employees are required to attend the training programs, with the purpose of acquiring
knowledge. In India, women are employed in industries and factories. In order to carry out
the production and manufacturing processes too, it is vital for the employees to undergo
training and development programs. Inefficiency in these programs is regarded as the major
problem. Inefficiency is primarily characterized by lack of sufficient information in terms of
various aspects of the organization, unawareness on the part of the instructors, and inadequate
information regarding use of technology and materials, and the performance of job duties.

Sexual Harassment within the Workplace – Women have experienced sexual

harassment within the workplace to a major extent. This has not only enabled them to feel
vulnerable, but also compel them to leave their jobs. The employers are required to take
preventive steps which prohibits this act within the workplace. The employees and all the
members within the workplace should be notified in terms of policies. There have been
formulation of various measures, which should make provisions for penalizing the act of
sexual harassment of women, particularly within the working environment. The members of
the workplace should put into practice the traits of morality and ethics.

Terms and Relationships with Other Members – The members of the organization
need to ensure that they maintain appropriate terms and relationships with each other within
the working environment. All individuals possess different natures and attitudes. Some
possess an introvert nature, whereas, others are extrovert in nature. Some of the women,
primarily focus upon their job duties and do not take pleasure in communicating with others.
They communicate with other members, primarily in terms of their job duties. Effective
communication is essential with the purpose of forming good terms and relationships with
each other. Forming amiable terms with the other members, will help the individuals in
performing their job duties effectively and achieving organizational goals.

Unavailability of Equal Rights and Opportunities – In some cases, women are not
given equal rights and opportunities as compared to men. For instance, they are not assigned
the same job duties as men. The reason being, individuals are of the viewpoint that women do
not possess the same skills and abilities as men. Women in some cases are given lesser pay as
compared to men for the same kind of work performed. Another important aspect, which
needs to be taken into consideration is, when women have been deprived of equal rights and
opportunities, when certain decisions need to be made or when promotional opportunities
need to be implemented, men have been given more preference as compared to women.
Therefore, it is vital to ensure that women too are provided equal rights and opportunities,
and there should not be any kind of discriminatory treatment.

Lack of Knowledge and Information – It is vital for the individuals to possess

adequate knowledge and information, primarily in terms of implementation of their job
duties. Upon recruitment in reputed organizations, men and women are required to undergo
training programs, which enable them to acquire knowledge in terms of organization,
departments, goals and objectives, job duties, and so forth. In order to perform ones job
duties well and accomplish the desired goals and objectives, it is vital for all the individuals
to possess the necessary information. When the employees lack the awareness and are not
well equipped with the performance of job duties, then they experience problems in retaining
their jobs.

Conflicts and Disputes – Conflicts and disputes in some cases do take place within the
organizations. When these take place, it is vital for the members to put into operation, conflict
resolution methods in a peaceful manner. Within the working environment, one cannot work
in isolation. It is vital for the individuals to form good terms and relationships with each
other. When conflicts and disputes assume a major form, then the individuals certainly
impede terms and relationships with each other. As a consequence, they are unable to incur
the feeling of job satisfaction or even generate the desired outcomes, particularly, when they
need assistance from each other in the implementation of project or any other job duty.
Therefore, it can be stated that the occurrence of conflicting situations and disputations are
the major problems within the course of achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

Creating a Balance between Personal and Professional Life – Women are required to
create a balance between personal and professional life. Irrespective of the employment
opportunities that they are engaged in, they are required to manage the household as well.
The role of women as householders are given utmost consideration within the Indian society.
Working women are required to implement the household chores and take care of the needs
and requirements of their family members. When women are overwhelmed by personal and
professional responsibilities, then they mostly experience psychological problems of stress
and anxiety. Therefore, in order to alleviate psychological problems, it is vital for them to
create a balance between personal and professional life. In addition, it is vital for them to
implement proper time management skills. Normally, preference is given to job duties, as
they not only lead to generation of income, but also enable women to enhance their careers.

Lack of Promotional Opportunities – Promotional opportunities are regarded as the

ones that individuals all the time aspire for. Research has indicated that when they are
recruited, then they may or may not find their job duties pleasurable. Even when the
employees do not feel satisfied with their jobs, they have to work hard to please their
employers and generate income to sustain their living conditions. There have been cases of
women, employed in various offices, organizations, and other places for long term period, but
they have not acquired promotional opportunities. They have been in the same positions
throughout their jobs. Therefore, lack of promotional opportunities is regarded as one of the
crucial impediments within the course of attainment of job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The status of women in post-independence India has been undergoing changes. The
population of women is regarded as almost half of the total population in India. A country or
the community cannot be considered civilized, where a woman is not respected and treated
with courtesy. In India, there have been formulation of laws and measures that have promoted
empowerment opportunities among women. The main areas, which are considered vital and
which have enhanced the status of women are, usage of technology, educational
opportunities, employment opportunities and prevention of criminal and violent acts. In post-
independent India, women are progressing. Empowerment opportunities are being created for
them that are rendering a significant contribution in leading to their progress. But women in
some cases are not treated equally to men and are considered as liabilities. This viewpoint is
usually prevalent among the individuals, belonging to rural communities. They possess the
viewpoint that girls should be trained in terms of implementation of household
responsibilities and education is not meant for them.

After the country achieved its independence, women acquired the right to vote. They
are also acquiring positions in Parliament and Lok Sabha. Hence, women are getting involved
in politics. Acquisition of education is regarded as a significant aspect that leads to effective
growth and development of the individuals. Women are getting enrolled in higher educational
institutions to enhance their academic skills and abilities. They are engaged in number of
employment opportunities and professions, such as, doctors, lawyers, teachers, researchers,
educationists, engineers, administrators and so forth. Within the workplace, there are number
of problems, which they experience, these are, working environmental conditions,
unavailability of technology, materials and infrastructure, ineffective training and
development programs, sexual harassment within the workplace, terms and relationships with
other members, unavailability of equal rights and opportunities, lack of knowledge and
information, conflicts and disputes, creating a balance between personal and professional life
and lack of promotional opportunities. Finally, it can be stated, it is necessary to provide
remedies to the problems experienced by women, they should be treated equally within home
and outside the home and should be encouraged towards acquisition of education and
employment opportunities.
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