Women in India's Constitutional History and Rights

Syllabus: Prelims Unit IV - Indian Polity

Historical Context (1917-1919)

• A group of women activists, led by Sarojini Naidu, was formed.
• The British Montague-Chelmsford Commission included representation for women.
• There was a strong fight for women's suffrage rights during this period.

Key Constitutional Assembly Contributions

• Women made up 5% of the 299-member Constitutional Assembly.
• Prominent leaders like Hansa Mehta, Amrit Kaur, and Durgabai Deshmukh played pivotal roles.
• They advocated for a uniform civil code and gender equality.
• They fought against religious personal laws and worked toward securing property and voting rights for women.

Major Achievements

• The 1935 Government of India Act granted women voting rights.
• Women were represented in the League of Nations to gather international support.
• The Constitution of India included the principle of universal adult franchise.
• Women's rights to property ownership were established.
• Equal citizenship rights were ensured for women.

Notable Leaders' Impact

• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became India's first woman Union minister.
• Sucheta Kriplani was the first female chief minister of an Indian state.
• Annie Mascarene served as a member of the Planning Commission.
• Durgabai Deshmukh played a key role in establishing a Medical Sciences Institute.

Legacy and Significance

• These efforts laid the foundation for modern women's rights in India.
• They led to progressive legislative frameworks aimed at advancing women's status.
• Social reform policies, such as gender equality and empowerment, were implemented.
• Significant strides were made in achieving gender parity.
• The development of a civil code that reflects gender equality was a milestone.