The journey of women’s rights has been one of perseverance and transformation, marked by both challenges and triumphs. From the earliest struggles for suffrage to today’s ongoing fight for gender equality, women have continuously pushed the boundaries of what society deems possible.
In India, the fight for women’s rights has a rich and complex history. The pre-independence era saw pioneers like Savitribai Phule, who championed education for women, and Sarojini Naidu, who was a prominent voice in the struggle for suffrage and independence. Post-independence, the Constitution laid down the foundation for gender equality, ensuring legal rights for women. However, the battle was far from over. The feminist movements of the 1970s and 1980s, which addressed issues like dowry, domestic violence, and reproductive rights, played a crucial role in reshaping societal norms and pushing for legal reforms.
Despite these advances, the fight for gender equality in India is far from over. Women continue to face significant challenges in many areas, lack of economic opportunities, gendered violence and poor access to education. The literacy rate for women in India- 65% is far below the literacy rate for men. However, in the face of these challenges, countless women have risen to the occasion, proving that when women are determined, they can achieve anything. A poignant example of this determination is seen in the story of the women of Karauni Village in Uttar Pradesh.
In Karauni, 22 women took it upon themselves to address the issue of illiteracy among the women of their village. With the support of DEVI Sansthan, they became volunteers and embarked on a mission to make every woman in Karauni literate. Their dedication and hard work paid off, as they taught all the women in their village how to read, with hundreds passing, changing their lives ahead, making them capable of accessing the basic necessities of society.
This story is not just about literacy; it’s about empowerment. It demonstrates that when women come together with a common goal, they can break through barriers and create lasting change.
DEVI Sansthan, or Dignity Education Vision International has played a significant role in supporting women like those of Karauni Village. The word Devi itself, derived from the Sanskrit word for goddess, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and potential that every woman possesses. The organization is run by a team of devoted women, or “devis,” who are working tirelessly to transform the landscape of literacy and education, not just in India but around the world.
Today, the fight for gender equality has expanded well beyond the legal realm. The recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a young female doctor was brutally raped and murdered, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers women face. This heinous crime highlights the continuing struggle for safety, justice, and equality. Even after 78 years of independence, the fight against gender-based violence remains a critical issue. Justice still remains elusive for many.
The global movement for gender equality has also been bolstered by international initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize gender equality as a key component of global development. However, the fight remains an uphill battle. Issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and the gender pay gap continue to be significant challenges. In India, movements like #MeToo have highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual harassment and assault, pushing for greater accountability and change.
We’ve come a long way in empowering women to reach for the stars, but the journey is far from over.
Amidst these challenges, the stories of warrior women remind us that the fight for gender equality is not just about policy changes or legal victories; it’s about the determination and collective action of women at the grassroots level. When women decide to take control of their lives and their communities, they have the power to bring about profound change.
Dr. Sunita Gandhi is the founder of Dignity Education Vision International (DEVI), a not-for-profit dedicated to transforming education.
