Feminist Movement of India Since 1947

Abstract

In the post-independence period, feminist movement under the leadership of women’s organizations became stronger. Under the Gandhi’s leadership, the women of this country got political consciousness through the national movement. After the liberation from the colonial rule, the constitution of independent India guarantees the equal rights of women, there were a lot of obstacles in getting women equal rights in reality. In the post independence period, some women organizations were formed to demands the rights of women in the male dominated society. Feminist organizations were formed to demand the rights of women from explanation and oppression. The main objective of the women’s organizations is to get women’s social, economic and political rights. Feminist movement played an important role in removing the ancient traditions and devil faith which fouled the life of women in India. The importance of feminist movement was immense to eliminate the dowry system. The use of feminist organizations to prevent the trafficking of women in modern India was unimaginable. Inequality of women in social rights has long been overcome by the feminist movement. Feminist organizations have been demanding women’s rights through newspapers. Women’s voluntary organizations continue to move in join movements with women organizations to demand women rights. Through the feminist movement, the rigorous punishment of rape has been mentioned. Feminist movements have played a significant role in acquiring financial protection of a wife from a former husband. Muslim women were deprived of this long standing maintenance. Muslim feminist organizations and all-India organizations continued the movement to demand the maintenance of Muslim women and eventually succeeded. Feminist organizations lean towards legal movements to achieve women’s justice. The legal aid centre was opened and legal aid was given to women in distress. As a result of the feminist movement, arrangements have been made to reserve seats for women in Panchayat and municipality by the amendment of constitution.