Our empowered women today less empowered

 

Where women are honoured, divinity blossoms there, and where ever women are dishonoured, all action no matter how noble it may be remains unfruitful.

Women had been a significant role in the early period. Trace to history Sulaiman and kirthar hills ,where both men and women cultivated the lands, grew crops and reared animals.

In Rigvedic period the role of women increased even many women scholars had given contribution in composing Rig Veda "Apalah , sacchi, palmi, kakshavriti have been a significant role in the Rigveda. But the status of women started decreasing since Vedic period from 1000 BC . And their status continue deteriorated 

In the "mahajanapadas period"(600- 321 BC) number of religions ,belief systems developed. Of them Buddhism and Jainism were important which offered womens to take participate in the Sangha pariwar and  also in the "kutagarasala" a place where two scholars with their students debated on any topic.

Razia Sultan, the daughter of Illtutmish, ascended the throne of Delhi in 1236 and become the role model of million of womens. She wore men's cloth, governed good that irked Turk Nobles. she refused to accept every suggestions made by "chahalgani or chalisa system" which led to murder of Razia at Kaithal by an anonymous afghans. Minhaz us siraj, a chronicler, of 13th century accepted that she (Razia) is good ruler among all his brothers. But Minhaz too sticked on social order made by the supreme God, and he also advised his king, maintain the order.

 Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi a brave lady fought unto death. The military commander "Heorose" had to say that "the lady lying on the land is only a male among them"

 In the British period a Raja rammohan Roy constituted "Brahmo Sabha"to keep eye on the "Sati practice". Sir William Bentinck (1828 to 1835), brought a new law against sati practice. Radhakant Dev among other orthodox Hindus opposed the law.

 Not only womens of India but the womens of abroad also faced a lot of problems. On 14th of July 1789, both men and women too participated in the Bastille storm. In 1791,  when the constitution formed it did not allow women to give vote. The period of Maxmillien Robespierre "the reign of terror", was also too oppressive towards women's. Napoleon too did not allowed a universal adult franchise .The women of France got its voting right in 1946, just a year before India got independence. 

To date, only two out of three countries have outlawed domestic violence, while 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim and 49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence.

we are very fortunate that India adopted Universal Adult Franchise at its beginning.  Our constituent assembly discussed on women rights and brought Hindu code bill 1951 in its first lok sabha . Poligamy system was abolished, demand for Muslim women's right also raised ,divorce system was adopted for women , right to choice to marriage,  stopping the Dayabhaag and Mitakshara"practices and allowed paternal inheritance.

https://youtu.be/xk5X25u0A4U