Women Who Fought For Our Rights Vs. Millions Still Fighting For Them

In the quaint surroundings of Rasta Peth in Pune on March 1, 1935, a small group of women, mostly in their early twenties, unknowingly embarked on a journey that would redefine their lives. Gathering in a hall for what they believed to be a session on domestic duties, these women became part of the early celebrations of Women's Day in the city. Let's look at how far we have come since then.

All India Women's Conference Emerges

The roots of Women's Day celebrations on a large scale in India trace back to the late 1920s when Margaret Elizabeth Cousins, an Irish-Indian educationist, suffragist, and theosophist, envisioned The All India Women's Conference (AIWC). The conference held at Fergusson College in Pune in 1927 saw the birth of AIWC, with leaders like Amrit Kaur and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay joining forces.

The inaugural meeting in Pune focused on compulsory female education and the complete ban on child marriages. The conference delegates believed that better education equated to improved nutrition for families. Subsequent sessions expanded their scope, advocating for women's right to divorce, inherit, bear arms for protection, and vote.

March 1 Declared Women's Day in India

A crucial decision emerged during the fifth session in Lahore – March 1 was officially designated as Women's Day in India. The AIWC committed to holding regular meetings and conferences across the country to engage more women in the cause, marking a significant milestone in the fight for women's rights.

Early Women's Day celebrations in Pune during the 1920s were intertwined with the "Gandhi Week," with leaders like Dwarakabai Gujar and Satyabhamabai Kuvalekar emphasising education and better nutrition for women in their speeches. The discourse shifted to aligning women's nutrition with national well-being, fostering the belief that educated women contributed to a healthier nation.

Educated Indian women of the twentieth century, emerging from the colonized middle class, joined women's organizations, marrying Western ideas with indigenous socio-cultural practices. The AIWC's network expanded, with organizations like "The Women's Council" in Pune actively participating in Women's Day programs.

Maternal Health Advocacy: A Turning Point

In 1938, the All India Conference of Medical Women highlighted the neglect of maternal health in India. Margaret Balfour emphasised that poor nutrition was a leading cause of maternal mortality. The AIWC endorsed the Maternity Benefits Bill, campaigned for better nutrition for pregnant women, and urged the training and registration of midwives.

Women like Ambutai Patawade, Lakshmibai Abhyankar, and AIWC delegates played a pivotal role in challenging societal norms. They initiated a process of reconfiguring domesticity, conjugality, child-bearing, and child-rearing practices. Their efforts, though small in scale, laid the foundation for reclaiming female bodies from the authoritative control of a male-dominated society.

Alarming Rise in Crimes Against Women: A Disturbing Trend

As we approach the 89th anniversary of the first Women's Day meeting in India on March 1, 1935, it is imperative to take stock of the current state of women's affairs. Regrettably, recent years have witnessed a disheartening surge in crimes against women, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting a 4% increase in 2023.

NCRB Reports 4% Increase In Crimes Against Women

The NCRB report for 2022 disclosed a stark escalation in reported crimes against women, soaring from 3,71,503 cases in 2020 to a staggering 4,45,256 cases in 2022. This marked a troubling increase compared to 2021's 4,28,278 cases. Notably, crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as 'Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives' (31.4%), 'Kidnapping and Abduction of Women' (19.2%), 'Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty' (18.7%), and 'Rape' (7.1%) were prevalent.

33 Years Of Kunan Poshpora

On the eve of Women's Day, it's essential to acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by women in conflict zones. February 23, 2024, marked the 33rd anniversary of the mass rape and torture of Kashmiri women in Kunan and Poshpora, this is the largest recorded incident of sexual assault in South Asian History. 

196 Babies Born To Female Prisoners In Calcutta

Shifting focus to the justice system, concerns rise as the Calcutta High Court reveals a distressing situation in West Bengal's correctional facilities. Female prisoners are reportedly getting pregnant while in custody, leading to an estimated 196 babies born in various correctional facilities. The urgent plea for a prohibition on the entry of male employees in female prisoners' enclosure highlights the systemic challenges faced by incarcerated women.

Sakshi Malik's Resignation and the Need for Change

The realm of sports also reflects the challenges faced by women, as Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik quit wrestling in protest. Her decision followed the election of Brij Bhushan loyalist Sanjay Singh as the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

As we celebrate the achievements of women on the occasion of Women's Day, it is crucial to remember the persisting challenges and setbacks faced by women globally. While honoring the pioneers who fought for women's rights, it is equally important to address the current state of affairs, advocating for change, justice, and gender equality. While honoring the women who fought for our rights, let's not forget the millions of women still fighting for them.

Views expressed by the author are their own