Question

Which reforms did the women's movement campaign for before independence?

Answer 1

Instructions: Give an introduction to women’s movements, their objectives, reformists and consequences of women’s movements.

Solution:

Introduction to women’s movements:

• Indian society, in the pre-independence era, was plagued by religious superstitions.
• Women enjoyed a secondary status in society.

Objectives of women’s movements:

• The women’s movement aimed at eliminating injustice against women and ending their exploitation.
• Women’s movements aimed to ensure education for women and widow re-marriage.
• They also aimed at removing social evils like Sati and child marriage from the society.

Who initiated the reforms?

• Reformists like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, Pandita Ramabai, and Ramabai Ranade took initiative in ending the practice of Sati and child marriages.

Consequences of women’s movements:

• Reforms such as widow re-marriage, women’s education, and the right to vote for women were possible due to the work of these reformists.
• These reforms ensured women are treated as equals in society and enjoy equality in every aspect of life.