Women’s movement in India: trajectory of organisation, ideology and strategy

Abstract

Indian society started to respond to the characteristic challenges of the West gradually from the dawn of the 19th century. The influence of Western culture, ideology and religion produced several social reform movements. Social reform became the first popular issue among Indian intellectuals who, inspired by the liberal views of social change and in the hope of preventing social abuses, were to launch movements more particularly for women. An insight into the role of women’s movement is crucial in the current scenario. Women’s organisations should mobilize public opinion and strengthen social efforts against oppressive institutions and age old beliefs. It is essential to understand in detail the new women’s movements which are manifestations of pluralistic paradigm of development and democracy. The struggle for women’s rights will certainly become more intense in the coming decades. In view of this fact, a galaxy of women had boldly participated in the past in the struggle for women’s emancipation. There is a qualitative difference and strategic variations between the present women’s struggle and earlier liberation movements against oppression. This article focuses on the women’s movement and its role in India with special focus on Tamil Nadu. It describes the developmental activities of women at the regional, national and local levels, outlining why the overall development scenario should include women’s activism and organizing skills. It also reviews the nature and working of women’s organisations, as a lens to the Indian women’s movement.