The feminist movement in India

Stories of gender oppression across India have been intersectional throughout history and perceptions of gender identity are embodied in peer group cultures, media imagery and outdated stereotypes. The push for contemporary India to embody a foundation of feminism and break free from the traditional ‘housewife and mother’ role will undoubtedly influence Indian culture, society and politics to sustain gender-equitable opportunities. So how do we evolve through this battle for recognition of difference? Ultimately patriarchal societies are nurtured in the childhood home, maintained in adult relationships and endorsed in political science. Education plays a crucial role in laying the foundations of feminism in young people to shape the future of gender identity and challenge the misconception that feminists disrupt social norms and harmonious societies^1,2.

The History of Feminism in India

The uneven nature of colonialism across India and the subsequent marginalisation of caste, religion, gender and ethnicity has impacted opportunities for wider policies and interventions to bridge the gap between local and national movements to prevent oppression and discrimination. 19^th century social reform movements paved the way for women to voice their opinions and address concerns over the inequality of education between men and women. The early 20^th century saw an uprising in women’s organisations advocating female representation in political and economic practices. All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), National Council of Women in India (NCWI) and Women’s India Association (WIA) were all part of this national movement that saw large scale resistance of Indian women³.

Despite mass movements and media coverage, the fight for change took a backseat in 1947 when India became independent and was partitioned into two sovereign states. Once more, women’s voices were brushed aside in the presence of change. This begs the question - had earlier movements been an illusion of change? Were women still being kept within the confines of oppression?

The 1931 Karachi Resolution passed by the Indian National Congress was a huge step forward in the early acceptance of gender equality: putting pen to paper in the validation of women’s rights. Despite this, changes were often met with resistance from different angles. Religious minorities that felt gender equality would invalidate traditional religious practices which is reflected in modern 21^st-century legislation whereby both the ‘right to freedom of religion’ and the ‘right to equality’ are embodied in the human rights articles⁴.

Legislation can be a wonderful thing, and often lays the foundation for change but we have learnt all too well throughout history that governments need alliance with the people of the nation for any meaningful shift in civilisation so whilst women have repeatedly been at the forefront of mass movements, their presence was not equally reflected in decision-making. The Committee on the Status of Women in India (CWSI), appointment by government to report on the condition of Indian women in 1972, highlighted the wage discrimination, high levels of unemployment and general oppression of women. Despite their appointment seeming to be a step in the right direction, the issues raised in their reports appeared to bear no priority for India’s policymakers⁵. Similar steps in the right direction can be seen in figure 1 timeline of historical events.

1990’s – A change in ideological frame

Over the years the commitment for equality has strengthened with the support of multiple pieces of legislation but the most significant shift in India was seen in the 1990s when Indian women, particularly the working and lower class, became the face of India in a huge rebranding effort that undeniably empowered the female voice. Suddenly the traditional notion of women was replaced by a beautiful, successful and wealthy representation. The beauty industry opened up a range of opportunities for women to become skilled, independent and increase household income. The feminist scholarship supported this growth and highlighted women as efficient managers and competent spenders³. Undeniably, this was a tremendous advance in what has been a long-standing fight to be seen and to be heard but I, like many others, believe this objectification of women served to blur the lines between liberalisation and consumerism.

21^st Century and beyond

In the 21^st century, feminist ideologies dominate conversations across the globe. India, like many other countries, is working hard to facilitate change locally and converge with other modern societies. In recent years India has developed sound frameworks across different aspects of employment to ensure equal job opportunities, participation and fair representation in decision-making for both men and women whilst also representing both rural and urban women⁸.

Now more than ever, feminism within contemporary Indian society is at a pivotal point with influence both in media and policy. Analysis of historical achievements and short-comings will guide the future in this unrelenting battle for gender equality.

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