Women have had many roles in civilisation since ancient times, according to historical evidence, and these roles have changed with time. The status of people in a society can be determined by the importance of women in that culture. The respectable role accorded to women is one of several aspects that rationalise the magnitude of India’s ancient culture. Several studies have shown that women have improved their status and gained a foothold in several fields, resulting in liberty and a higher quality of life. Women suffered from unequal treatment in ancient civilization, but as time passed, females improved their status to achieve equality with men (Christina S. Handayani, Ardhian Novianto, 2004). Previously, women were only permitted to engage in home activities, and their role in society was severely limited. It implies that the political sector was only for male groups, while the private sector was for women. This idea is the foundation of traditional feminist ideology, which advocates for women to be treated equally to men (Ann Brooks, 2009). The standing of women in India has changed dramatically during the last several decades. The history of women in India has been fascinating, from equal status with men in ancient times to the low moments of the medieval period to the championing of equal rights by various reformers. Women have risen to positions of power in modern India. However, women in India are still subjected to a variety of social challenges. India is the “fourth most unsafe country” in the world for women, according to a global research performed by Thomson Reuters.
Women in India:
Women’s standing in India has changed dramatically over the millennia. Indian women used to be entirely dedicated to their families. Women’s standing deteriorated dramatically throughout the Medieval period, also known as the “Dark Age.” They couldn’t go out or interact with other people. They were instructed to remain at home and care for their children. Early girl marriage was common in India. Women stepped out in all industries after independence, and their status in education, art, and culture has changed dramatically. A historical perspective on the problems that India has faced since independence. However, the standing of women in modern India is somewhat inconsistent.
Role of women in prehistoric times:
The status of women was fairly excellent throughout the Indus valley civilization. In the culture, they were treated with equal respect as males. The worship of the mother goddess shows that they were revered as mothers. Women had a higher standing throughout the Rig Vedic period, with more freedom and equality than men. In the household, the role of wife was favoured, and women held higher prestige than men when it came to performing religious rites. Boys and girls had equal opportunity in the educational sphere. Girls were allowed to spend their lives in Gurukul after completing Upanayana Samskara. They inhabited a position of manhood in intellectual and spiritual life. Girls’ education was seen as a necessary requirement for marriage.
In Early vedic period:
During this time, widows were allowed to remarry and marriage freedom was maintained. Though the dowry system persisted, it did not exist in the same form that it does today. The wedding ceremony was identical to that of the previous period. The vision of an idyllic family life was maintained, as it had been in the previous period.
List of women’s organisations:
Women’s empowerment is the focus of this important international organisation.
Associations of Junior Leagues International | Relief society |
Council of Women World Leaders | St. Joan’s International Alliance |
Christian Women in Media Association | Soroptimist International |
Equality Now | UN women |
Ellevate Network | Third World Organisation for Women in Science |
International Alliance of Women | UNIFEM – United Nations Development Fund for Women |
International Association of Women Police | Women’s Commission For Refugee Women |
International Federation of Business and Professional Women | Women’s Environment & Development Organisation |
Conclusion:
Women’s education, the removal of societal evils like as purdah and child marriage, Hindu law reform, women’s moral and material growth, and equality of rights and opportunity are among the concerns addressed by these groups. Women have had many roles in civilisation since ancient times, according to historical evidence, and these roles have changed with time. The status of people in a society can be determined by the importance of women in that culture.
The history of women in India has been fascinating, from equal status with men in ancient times to the low moments of the mediaeval period to the championing of equal rights by various reformers. Women have risen to positions of power in modern India.
Indian women used to be entirely dedicated to their families. Women’s standing deteriorated dramatically throughout the Medieval period, also known as the “Dark Age.” Women stepped out in all industries after independence, and their status in education, art, and culture has changed dramatically. However, the standing of women in modern India is somewhat inconsistent.
The status of women was fairly excellent throughout the Indus valley civilization. In the culture, they were treated with equal respect as males. The worship of the mother goddess shows that they were revered as mothers.