WOMEN,

& Their Fight for

Equality
A presentation…
Group –D
31-41
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

History of
01 Equality 03 Oppression

The Fight for Contemporary

02 Equality 04 Status of women
 01
Gender Inequality
"The most common way
women give up their power is
by thinking they don’t have
any.” – Alice Walker
INTRODUCTION
Gender inequality remains a global
reality, shaped by deep-rooted
social, economic, and cultural
structures. Understanding these
challenges is the first step toward
meaningful change.
 Key-Types of Gender based Inequalities
Economic Inequality Violence Against
Health Inequality Women are paid less, lack
Limited access to leadership roles, and do
Women
Women face domestic abuse,
healthcare,contraception, and more unpaid work, limiting harassment, and violence, often
reproductive rights affects financial independence and without support or justice due
women’s health, safety, and career advancement. to stigma and weak legal
control over their own bodies. systems.

Legal Inequality Workplace

Educational Inequality
Some laws unfairly restrict Discrimination
Bias in hiring, pay gaps, Girls often face barriers to
women’s rights in marriage, education due to poverty,
property, and inheritance, and maternity-related
issues prevent women tradition, or discrimination,
reinforcing gender-based limiting their opportunities
disadvantages in many societies. from achieving equality
and growth in the for future success.
workplace.
 02
History of
Oppression
“For most of history,
Anonymous was a woman.”
– Virginia Woolf
 INTRODUCTION
For centuries, women have been systematically
excluded from power, education, and
decision-making. Their rights were denied, their
voices silenced, and their contributions erased.
Understanding this long history of oppression is
essential to recognizing the roots of today’s
gender inequality.
 Ancient India
● In early Vedic times, women had access to education and
could participate in rituals, they headed sabhas and samitis
(early democratic assemblies), indicating their role in public
life.
● They were respected as intellectuals and were even
composers of Vedic hymns, with figures like Gargi and
Maitreyi serving as well-known examples of female scholars.
● Marriage was seen more as a partnership; women had the
right to choose their partners (swayamvara), and child
marriage was rare.
● Other texts mention the concept of “Stridhan”, property a
woman could own independently.
Colonisation & women
Over time, patriarchal systems tightened, limiting women’s
autonomy and public presence.

● The Turkish invasions brought with them stricter notions of

gender segregation, leading to the introduction and spread of
purdah (veil system) in North India.
● During the Mughal period, while some royal women held power,
the larger society saw a decline in women's rights, especially in
mobility and access to education.
● Practices like child marriage and dowry became more
institutionalized, further commodifying women and restricting
their independence.
● Widowhood was especially harsh—many women were forced into
isolation or sati, a practice that reflected deep societal
control over a woman’s life and death.
British Colonial Era
& Legal Oppression
● British legal systems often ignored existing reforms and codified
laws that favored male authority, reducing women’s customary
rights, especially in inheritance and property.
● Colonial policies prioritized male education and excluded
women from formal learning, pushing them further into
domestic roles and dependency.
● Regressive practices like sati, child marriage, and dowry
continued with little intervention, despite their brutality, as
colonial rulers often chose non-interference in “native
customs.”
● Under colonial law, women had no independent legal
status—married women were considered dependents of their
husbands, with no say in matters like property ownership,
guardianship of children, or civil rights.
 03
The Fight for Equality
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares
me: I am a free human being with
an independent will.”
– Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
 INTRODUCTION
Across centuries, women have risen to resist
injustice, in classrooms, courtrooms, fields,
streets, and even within their own homes. From
fighting for education and legal rights to leading
movements and challenging social norms, Indian
women have consistently pushed back against
inequality with courage, resilience, and
unwavering spirit. This section explores their
powerful journey of resistance — past and
present.
Global Movement –
Women's Suffrage
● 1848, Seneca Falls (USA): First women's rights
convention; called for voting rights.
● New Zealand (1893): First country to grant
women voting rights.
● UK Suffragettes (early 1900s): Women like
Emmeline Pankhurst led protests, hunger
strikes, and civil disobedience.
● USA (1920): 19th Amendment passed after
decades of protest
International Legal Frameworks
● 1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN) asserts
equality.

● 1979: CEDAW adopted by UN – legally binding treaty for

women’s rights.

● 1995, Beijing Declaration: Fourth World Conference on

Women pushes for action plans on education, health, and
violence.

● 1993, Vienna Declaration: First time women's rights were

clearly recognized as human rights in international law.

● 2010, Creation of UN Women: A major UN body formed to

promote gender equality and empower women globally,
combining multiple efforts under one organization.
India: Pre-Independence
● Social Reform Movements:
○ Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar promoted women’s
education and widow remarriage.
○ Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against Sati
and for widow remarriage.
● Women’s Education:
○ Establishment of girls’ schools and women’s
colleges in late 19th century.
○ Early female pioneers like Savitribai Phule fought
for girls’ education.
● Legal Restrictions:
○ Child marriage, purdah system, and limited
property rights for women.
○ Limited political participation and no voting
rights.
 Women in the Freedom Movement
● Active Participation in Protests:
○ Women joined major movements like the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920) and Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).
○ They organized protests, picketing, and boycotts of foreign
goods.
● Prominent Female Leaders:
○ Sarojini Naidu: Called the “Nightingale of India,” led the Salt
Satyagraha and became the first woman governor in
independent India.
○ Rani Lakshmi Bai: One of the earliest and fiercest symbols of
resistance during the 1857 Revolt. Fought bravely against
British forces, becoming a legendary icon of Indian bravery
and patriotism.
○ Matangini Hazra: At age 73, she led a procession during the
Quit India Movement and was shot by British police while
holding the Indian flag and chanting “Vande Mataram.”
Women in the Freedom Movement
● Sacrifices and Imprisonment:
○ Many women, young and old, faced brutal repression,
imprisonment, and even death.
○ They remained undeterred and courageous in the face
of colonial power.

● Support Roles and Mobilization:

○ Women secretly aided revolutionaries, spread
awareness, and mobilized rural participation.
○ They organized food, shelter, and funds for
underground activities.

● Symbol of Nationalism and Empowerment:

○ Women’s visible resistance challenged patriarchal
norms and laid the groundwork for future legal and
social reform.
Legal Equality Post-Independence
● 1950: Indian Constitution enshrines equality (Articles
14–16), prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), and
equal opportunity.
● 1955–56 Hindu Code Bills: Legalized divorce for
women, inheritance rights, and equal status in
marriage.
● Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) made dowry illegal.
● Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
(2005) expanded women’s legal safety at home.
● 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992)
reserved 33% seats for women in Panchayati Raj
Institutions, encouraging grassroots political
participation.
● Mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of
gender, promoting workplace equality.
The 1970s Movement
● Mathura Rape Case (1972): Acquittal of rapists
sparked nationwide protests; led to reform of rape
laws in 1983.

● Dowry death protests (late 1970s–80s): Urban

women mobilized against rising cases of dowry
violence.

● Formation of women’s groups: Stree Shakti

Sanghatana, Saheli, and others took up legal and
social battles.

● Women’s demands: Equal pay, reproductive rights,

protection against domestic violence.
Grassroots Mobilization and
Rural Resistance
● SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association,
1972): Organized poor women into cooperatives
and unions.

● Chipko Movement (1973): Women in Uttarakhand

led environmental protests, highlighting their role
in sustainability and resistance.

● Anti-liquor movements: Women-led campaigns

in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar addressed domestic
violence and alcoholism.
 04
Contemporary Status of
Women
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares
me: I am a free human being with
an independent will.”
– Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
 INTRODUCTION
Women today have gained unprecedented access
to education, leadership, and legal rights globally.
Movements like #MeToo and increasing female
representation highlight progress. In India, women
are rising in politics, business, and education. Yet
issues like violence, wage gaps, and gender bias
persist. While much has changed, the journey
toward full equality continues—with empowered
women leading the way toward a more just and
inclusive society.
Global Landscape Today
● Political Leadership: As of 2024, over 30
countries have had female heads of
state/government (e.g., New Zealand, Finland,
India).
● Education: Global gender gap in education has
narrowed—more girls than ever are in school,
especially in primary and secondary education.
● Workforce Participation: Women make up 47% of
the global workforce, yet wage gaps and
leadership disparities persist.
● Violence and Safety: 1 in 3 women worldwide
experience violence; efforts through laws and
awareness continue.
● Social Movements: Modern movements like
#MeToo, Ni Una Menos, and Women’s March have
sparked global dialogue and change.
 Contemporary India
● Education and Literacy: Women’s literacy is now
over 70%, with rising female enrolment in higher
education.
● Legal Progress: Laws on domestic violence,
workplace harassment (POSH Act), and
reproductive rights (Medical Termination of
Pregnancy Act) have expanded protections.
● Representation: Women hold key
roles—President, Governors, MPs, CEOs (e.g.,
Nirmala Sitharaman, Droupadi Murmu).
● Economic Role: Women's entrepreneurship is
growing (e.g., SHGs, digital startups), yet only
~20% are part of the formal workforce.
● Barriers: Deep-rooted patriarchy, safety
concerns, and unequal pay still persist.
 Achievements and Ongoing
Challenges
Legal Wins:
● Abolition of Triple Talaq, increasing penalties for rape, and better maternity leave laws.

Social Shifts:
● Rise of women influencers, leaders, and role models in science, tech, and sports (e.g., ISRO
women scientists, PV Sindhu).

Digital Empowerment:
● Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India initiatives benefit women.

Persistent Issues:
● Gender-based violence, underrepresentation in corporate leadership, and lack of political quota
in Parliament.

Future Focus:
● Intersectional feminism, inclusive policy making, and youth-driven change are vital.
 CONCLUSION
The fight for women’s equality has been long
and complex—shaped by history, challenged by
oppression, and driven by resilience. From
ancient rights to modern reforms, progress is
real but incomplete. True equality demands
continued effort, awareness, and action.
Empowering women empowers humanity, and
only through collective will can we build a
future that is just, equal, and inclusive for all.