Indian feminism
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Indian feminism has taken many forms over the centuries as women from different social, cultural, and racial backgrounds have fought for equality and women's rights in unique ways. Early feminist theories often ignored differences between women and treated them homogenously. In the 19th century, social reforms were initiated mainly by upper caste men and women's participation in independence movements was confined to traditional gender roles. The modern Indian feminist movement gained momentum in the 1970s through organizations, publications, and legal challenges. Contemporary Indian feminism continues to advocate for issues like sexual harassment, domestic violence, and rape laws through government policies and prominent feminist figures.
Indian feminism
- 2. Feminism Feminism is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes. It is an organized activity on behalf of womens rights and interests - Webstar Dictionary
- 3. The Plural Nature of Feminism There is no one history of feminism Women all over the world have very different experiences and realities to contend with A universal history of feminism is not possible Early feminist theories had a tendency to lump all the women together and treat them homogenously marginalized The social, cultural and racial differences that divide women were ignored, in order to highlight a common sisterhood
- 4. 19th Century Women & Social Reforms Home, Indian Woman Historical Constructs Victorian values Upper Caste Men as Initiators of Social Reforms Ram Mohan Roy, Easwar Chandra Vidya Sagar Independence Movement - womens political participation gave the illusion of change while women were kept within the structural confines of family and society
- 5. Womens Movements after independence National Culture Women as custodians women were primarily understood as recipients of welfare as wives, mothers and daughters Development was gender blind Indian Feminist movement picked up pace in 1970s Laws relating to Dowry, Rape, divorce, Sexual Harassment at work were challenged
- 6. Feminist Consciousness Since 1970s Women in peasant movements in Dhulia, Naxalbhari and srikakulam against sexual exploitation of lower caste women by landlords Mathura Rape Case, Ramezabee Rape Case Amendments in Rape laws Feminist Organizations were started across the country Various feminist journals and newsletters in Hindi, English and Regional journals were started: Stree Sangarsh (Hindi), Manushi (Hindi & English), Sachetana, Sabala and mitreyi (Bengali) ans Apni Azadi Ke Liye (Hindi)
- 7. 21st Century Women Government policies specific to Gender Issues Sexual Harrassment in Work Place Vishaka Guidelines POCSO ACT Amendments in Rape Laws Nirbhaya Rape Case Prevention of Domestic violence Act Marital Rape Contemporary Feminist Icons : Vina Mazumdar, Agnes Flavia, Kamala Bhasin, Nivedita Menon