Question

Describe the women's movement in independent India.

Hint:

Divide the women's movement into phases: (i) legal reforms, (ii) grassroots mobilization, (iii) rights activism, and (iv) contemporary protests.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background after independence.
At independence (1947), women had already played major roles in the freedom struggle. The Constitution of India (1950) guaranteed equality, non-discrimination, and political rights for women. The women's movement post-1947 focused on translating these principles into reality.

Step 2: Phase I – Legal and institutional reforms (1950s–70s).
\begin{itemize} \item Hindu Code Bills (1955–56): reforms in marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption. \item Establishment of the All India Women's Conference and National Federation of Indian Women. \item Focus on education, health, and basic rights for women. \end{itemize}

Step 3: Phase II – Grassroots mobilization (1970s–80s).
\begin{itemize} \item Anti-price rise and food scarcity movements in Maharashtra and Gujarat. \item Chipko movement (1973) with strong participation of rural women. \item Anti-dowry campaigns after tragic cases of bride-burning. \item Campaigns for equal wages and labor rights, especially for women in informal sectors. \end{itemize}

Step 4: Phase III – Rights-based activism (1990s–2000s).
\begin{itemize} \item Demand for 33% reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions (granted by 73rd and 74th Amendments, 1992). \item Movements against sexual harassment leading to the Vishaka Guidelines (1997). \item Advocacy for laws on domestic violence (2005) and protection against workplace harassment (2013). \end{itemize}

Step 5: Contemporary developments (2010s onwards).
\begin{itemize} \item Nationwide protests after the Nirbhaya case (2012) leading to stricter rape laws. \item Participation in \#MeToo movement (2018) raising awareness of workplace harassment. \item Growing role of women in politics, civil society, and grassroots NGOs. \end{itemize}

Step 6: Conclusion.
The women's movement in India is ongoing—struggling against patriarchy and violence while pushing for equality in education, employment, politics, and personal freedoms.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Women's movement = legal reforms + grassroots struggles + rights activism + modern campaigns for safety, equality, and representation.}} \]