Que. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में, विशेष तौर पर गाँधीवादी चरण के दौरान महिलाओं की भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए। 

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: Introduce the significance of “women’s contribution” to the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase and its transformative impact.

(ii) Main Body: Discuss the “increased role of women” during key Gandhian movements, highlighting their leadership and mass participation in various spheres.

(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the “pivotal role of women” in reshaping both the freedom movement and their own societal status during the Gandhian phase.

Introduction

The “role of women” in India’s freedom struggle, especially during the “Gandhian phase,” marked a turning point in their political empowerment, with widespread participation in mass movements and leadership roles in non-violent protests.

Women’s Role in Major Gandhian Movements

Women’s involvement in “Gandhian mass movements” such as the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements not only challenged British rule but also redefined their position in Indian society.

(i) Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Women actively participated in boycotting British goods, leading picketing activities, and leaving colonial institutions, demonstrating “political courage” by defying traditional gender norms.

(ii) Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Women like Sarojini Naidu led “salt satyagrahas,” symbolizing mass civil disobedience. Thousands of women defied the “Salt Law,” marking their significant involvement in “direct action.”

(iii) Quit India Movement (1942): During the Quit India Movement, women such as Aruna Asaf Ali took leadership roles, participating in underground activities, organizing strikes, and calling for the British to “Quit India.”

(iv) Dandi March: The participation of women in the historic “Dandi March” alongside Gandhi symbolized their full-fledged involvement in the freedom movement, with women walking miles to protest against British taxation policies.

(v) Women’s Protests Against Repressive Laws: Women were at the forefront of protesting against repressive colonial laws like the “Rowlatt Act” and contributed to the intensification of nationalistic fervor.

Social and Economic Impact of Women’s Participation

Women’s entry into the freedom movement under Gandhi’s leadership brought about “social transformation,” as they began to challenge entrenched social barriers and contributed to India’s “economic self-reliance.”

(i) Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Women’s participation in mass protests challenged the long-standing notion of women being confined to the domestic sphere, marking a shift towards “gender equality” in public life.

(ii) Promotion of Khadi: Women were at the forefront of Gandhi’s “Khadi movement,” spinning yarn as a form of protest and contributing to the “economic independence” envisioned by Gandhi.

(iii) Women’s Role in Village Upliftment: Gandhi emphasized “rural reconstruction,” and women played an active role in uplifting villages by promoting education, health, and sanitation, contributing to both the freedom struggle and social reform.

(iv) Women as Economic Contributors: Through initiatives like “charkha spinning” and cottage industries, women supported the economic self-reliance of the nation while simultaneously becoming economic contributors to their households.

(v) Caste and Class Unity: Women from diverse backgrounds, including those from lower castes and rural areas, united under the Gandhian banner, breaking “caste and class barriers” and promoting inclusive nationalism.

Leadership and Key Contributions of Women

The Gandhian phase saw the emergence of strong women leaders who not only inspired mass participation but also “shaped the direction” of the freedom movement, making their contributions indispensable.

(i) Sarojini Naidu: As one of the key leaders, Sarojini Naidu played a significant role in the “Salt Satyagraha” and was a powerful orator advocating for “women’s rights” and national freedom.

(ii) Kasturba Gandhi: Supporting Gandhi’s cause, Kasturba Gandhi led several protests, especially in South Africa and later in India, advocating for women’s role in the “national movement” and social reform.

(iii) Aruna Asaf Ali: A revolutionary figure during the Quit India Movement, Aruna Asaf Ali became the symbol of resistance by hoisting the national flag, defying British orders, and leading “underground resistance.”

(iv) Usha Mehta: Known for her role in the “Congress Radio,” Usha Mehta contributed to spreading nationalist propaganda during the Quit India Movement, highlighting the critical role of communication in resistance efforts.

(v) Kamala Nehru: Kamala Nehru, a prominent figure, actively participated in boycotts, protests, and the “Civil Disobedience Movement,” especially when her husband Jawaharlal Nehru was imprisoned, symbolizing “women’s resilience.”

Long-term Impact on Women’s Status

Women’s participation in the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase had “long-lasting effects” on their societal status and continued to inspire movements for gender equality and social justice in independent India.

(i) Political Empowerment: Women’s mass participation in the Gandhian movements laid the foundation for “political empowerment,” leading to greater involvement in post-independence politics and governance.

(ii) Social Reforms Post-Independence: The involvement of women in the freedom struggle contributed to key social reforms, including the abolition of “child marriage” and promotion of “women’s education” after independence.

(iii) Women’s Legal Rights: The Gandhian emphasis on “equality” influenced post-independence legislations aimed at enhancing women’s legal rights, such as the “Hindu Marriage Act” and the “Dowry Prohibition Act.”

(iv) Continued Leadership: Women leaders who emerged during the freedom struggle, such as Sarojini Naidu and Vijayalakshmi Pandit, continued to play significant roles in shaping “post-independence India’s” politics.

(v) Inspiration for Feminist Movements: The “Gandhian legacy” of non-violence and civil disobedience continued to inspire feminist movements in India, leading to greater advocacy for “women’s rights” in later decades.

Conclusion

The “Gandhian phase” catalyzed women’s political and social empowerment, transforming their role in society and establishing a foundation for their continued contribution to India’s democratic and reformist trajectory post-independence.