We are celebrating International Women’s Day. Every society needs women’s energy to keep moving forward. International Women’s Day provides the opportunity to recognise the vital role played by women.
In India, women have played an important role in society through the ages. Ancient Indian wisdom and philosophy were enriched by the knowledge of saints like Gargi and Maitreyi. Some of the hymns in the oldest Sanskrit text, the Rigveda, are attributed to Maitreyi. Women philosophers could debate with their male counterparts and often got the better of them. Throughout medieval and modern Indian history, women have been a worthy presence in the philosophical landscape.
Over the years, negative practices like dowry, sati, and preventing widow remarriage emerged to the detriment of women’s position in society. Reformist Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned vigorously against the practice of Sati (women burning themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre), which was outlawed by the then Governor General of India. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi espoused the cause of women’s education and empowerment. A notable reformist was Savitribai Phule, who opened a girls school in Pune with her husband.
Women’s bravery and administrative acumen have also been recorded by history. Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, is regarded as a national hero for her battle against the British in 1857. The queen of Kittur in Karnataka, Kittur Chennamma, and Begum Hazrat Mahal, co-ruler of Awadh, fought armed battles against the British. The Begums of Bhopal were notable rulers of their times, trained in martial arts. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar was not only a brave warrior but a renowned administrator.
Throughout modern Indian history, women have dazzled society with their achievements. India has had a woman Prime Minister as well as a woman President. In independent India, women have excelled in almost every field: Speakers of the lower House of Parliament, ministers, chief ministers, governors, ambassadors, administrators, law enforcers, scientists and educationists, doctors and engineers, and artists. Women are in the Army, fly planes and excelled as the world’s first fully formed Police unit in Liberia at a difficult juncture.
Indian women have created and lead global brands in the world of business. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw set up India’s leading biotech company, Biocon Limited, and is regarded as the richest self-made woman in India; Shahnaz Hussein pioneered the herbal beauty care movement, creating a global brand that presented India’s Ayurvedic knowledge to the world. It would be hard to identify a field that has seen no representation of women.
Globally, too, women of Indian origin are trail blazers. US Vice President Kamala Harris, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Attorney General Suella Braverman are leading the way in politics. The voice of Dr Swati Mohanwas sweet music to all ears as NASA's Perseverance rover landed on Mars. Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, lost her life in the quest for science; she was one of seven crew members to die in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.
With such positive and indelible contribution, it is painful for society as a whole when a violent crime is committed against a woman. Such crimes can only be eliminated by empowering women physically, emotionally and financially.
PM Modi started the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign (save the girl child, educate the girl child). According to Minister Smriti Irani, women received 75% of disbursals under the Mudra loan scheme that provides loans of Rs 1 million to small entrepreneurs. These and similar efforts around the globe can contribute to improving the status of women in society. Much more needs to be done for improving women’s empowerment around the globe. A multi-pronged approach is necessary. Law enforcers have to be firm on protecting women; strict enforcement of the law and timely delivery of justice are essential. Crimes against women are often the outcome of deeply ingrained social practices and behaviour. Efforts have to focus as much on society as law enforcement and justice. Attitude change has to start from school itself. Increased visibility of women in different walks of society would help. Cross cutting efforts by society as a whole, men and women, are a must for women to live with safety and dignity around the world!
Happy International Women’s Day!
