PROJECT REPORT
CHANGING STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIA
Submitted by:
Gayathri Nair
Class: 12 D
Roll No: 3
Submitted to:
Rosemary Miss
Academic Year: 2025
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Sociology project titled “Changing Status of Women in India” has been
successfully completed by Gayathri Nair, Class 12 D, Roll No. 3, under my guidance. This project
is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Sociology curriculum for the academic
year 2025.
Signature of Teacher
Date: ___________ (2025)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Sociology teacher, Rosemary Miss, for her
valuable guidance and encouragement in completing this project. I also thank my classmates,
family, and everyone who supported me in the preparation of this project during the academic year
2025.
INDEX
S. No Content Page No.
1 Introduction 1
2 Status of Women in Ancient India 2
3 Status of Women in Medieval India 4
4 Status of Women in Colonial India 6
5 Status of Women in Independent India 9
6 Government Legislations/Bills 12
7 Women in Contemporary India 16
8 Comparison Between Past and Present 20
9 Role of Feminist Movements and NGOs 25
10 Conclusion 30
11 Bibliography 35
CHANGING STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIA
Introduction
The status of women in India has undergone significant transformations over centuries. From
enjoying a position of respect and independence in the Vedic age, to facing severe restrictions in
the medieval period, and then reclaiming rights in modern times, the story of Indian women reflects
the journey of the nation itself. Sociology examines how institutions like family, religion, politics,
economy, and education shape women’s lives. Studying the changing status of women helps us
understand not only women’s struggles but also the progress of Indian society as a whole.
Status of Women in Ancient India
In the Vedic period, women had relatively high status. They were educated, could participate in
religious rituals, and even compose hymns. Scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi are proof that women
took part in intellectual debates. Women had some property rights and freedom in choosing their
partners (swayamvara system). However, with time, patriarchal practices increased, and women’s
position began to decline.
Status of Women in Medieval India
Women’s status declined further due to foreign invasions, feudalism, and rigid caste systems.
Practices such as purdah, child marriage, dowry, sati, and denial of education restricted women’s
lives. Social evils treated women as dependents with little autonomy. Women were largely confined
to domestic roles, with rare exceptions like Rani Durgavati, Razia Sultan, and Rani Lakshmibai,
who took leadership roles.
Status of Women in Colonial India
The arrival of the British brought both new challenges and opportunities. The British discouraged
some Indian traditions but also introduced modern education. Social reformers led campaigns
against harmful practices: Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought for abolition of sati, Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar supported widow remarriage, and Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule pioneered women’s
education. Indian women actively participated in the freedom struggle — leaders like Sarojini Naidu,
Annie Besant, and Kasturba Gandhi inspired millions.
Status of Women in Independent India
With independence in 1947, the makers of the Constitution envisioned gender equality as a core
principle. Constitutional provisions such as Article 14 (equality before law), Article 15
(non-discrimination), Article 16 (equal opportunity in employment), and Article 39(d) (equal pay for
equal work) laid the foundation. The Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Dowry Prohibition Act (1961),
Equal Remuneration Act (1976), and Maternity Benefit Act (2017) are examples of important
legislations for women’s rights.
Government Legislations/Bills
Key laws include: Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Dowry Prohibition Act (1961), Equal Remuneration
Act (1976), Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (1994), Domestic Violence
Act (2005), POSH Act (2013), Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act (2017), and Women’s
Reservation Bill (2023). These legislations show how the government has consistently tried to
address inequality.
Women in Contemporary India
Today, women are excelling in almost every field: education, politics, workforce, sports, business,
and technology. Female literacy rate rose from 8.9% in 1951 to over 70% in 2021. Women serve as
MPs, Chief Ministers, Governors, and Presidents. Role models like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Nirmala
Sitharaman, and women scientists of ISRO highlight progress. Yet challenges remain: crimes
against women, pay gap, unpaid domestic labor, and rural–urban divide.
Comparison Between Past and Present
Past: women were denied education, married young, had no property rights, and were politically
excluded. Present: women have legal rights, access to education, political participation, and
presence in all professions. Despite progress, complete equality is yet to be achieved.
Role of Feminist Movements and NGOs
Movements in the 1970s and 1980s challenged dowry and custodial rape. The Chipko Movement
(1973) saw women lead environmental protection. NGOs like SEWA and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
have empowered rural women. Media and cinema increasingly highlight women’s issues, shaping
social attitudes.
Conclusion
The status of women in India has shifted from dependence to empowerment. While the past
restricted women’s roles, today women are actively contributing in education, politics, economy,
and social reform. Government legislations, feminist movements, and changing social attitudes
have made this transformation possible. Still, challenges like gender-based violence, pay inequality,
and stereotypes continue. True emancipation requires not only laws but also a change in mindset.
A society that empowers women equally will be a stronger, more progressive India.
Female Literacy Rate Chart
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- NCERT Sociology Textbooks - Census of India Reports - Government of India Legislations -
Books on Women’s Studies by scholars like Geraldine Forbes - Articles and Research Papers on
Gender Equality
