Women are half part of human race who play a vital role in society. They are considered a life line of human race. The civilization and culture of a nation can be measured as through the status of women. It is said that man and woman are two Wheels of a cart because one’s life is incomplete and meaningless without the another. Both of them develop each other’s personality.
According to Rabindra Nath Tagore. “Woman is God’s best creation. She adds beauty grace and charm to every aspect of life”
Women got full honour and dignity in ancient time. The ancient time of Indian history was a golden period for women. They were given too much respect. Any social and religious ceremony were incomplete without women. They enjoyed the rights equal to men. ‘Swayamvare’ the ceremony of ancient time uplifted the status of woman. She was a true companion of man in his joys and sorrows but in Indian history during the Muslim age the condition of Indian women suffered too much. They adopted “Purdha Pratha” and confined themselves in the four walls of their houses but there came a ray of hope in the lives of Indian -women during the British age. They threw up “Purdha” and came forward for studying in schools, Colleges and universities. The British Government also made many efforts to develop the status of women.
After it time had changed and women came out from the four walls of their houses and took active participation in “National Liberation movement” which was the beginning of a bright future for women in India. They took part in the struggle of Indian freedom and revolted against “Purdha Partha” for eg:- Laxmi Bai, queen of Jhansi. Ahilya Bai, Chand Biwi, Sarojini Naidu, Vijay Laxmi Pandit and Aruna Asif Ali gathered under a tri – colour flag and struggled for the independence of India.
They tried to regain their status and dignity The constitution of India also provided equal rights to women which was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of women. They started to take part in social, Political, educational economical and cultural activities and in the independent India women were selected as ministers M.L.A M.P. ambassadors, scientists, engineers, doctors, Magistrates and administration officers which was a main glimpse of the upliftment of womanhood. Today women are academically progressive, socially active, economically wise and culturally beautiful. More and more women have become self-dependent and getting jobs in offices, schools, hospitals and Public & Private sectors. Today they seem full of pride and confidence. Even they are accepting rough and tough jobs. They have achieved success in sports TV- and film industries.
Not only legislature but also judiciary has helped to uplift the status of women Such as: Sati Pratha and child marriages not only have been restricted but also made punishable offence. Taking and giving dowry has been declared illegal. The laws related to dowry and rape have been made strict and serious and widows have been provided the right to remarry. They have been given right to divorce. Today intercaste and interreligion marriages have been legally permitted. Women have
been provided right to become a guardian of their minor children. Cruelty against women has been added as an offence in I.P.C. . They have been given maternity leave, compulsory insurance and family pension on the other hand it has been noticed that women candidates are getting good Merits in schools, colleges universities and many departmental competitive exams so, It is quite right to say “If you educate a boy, you educate an individual if you educate a girl, you educate
a family a society and a nation.
Napoleon rightly stated. “Give me and educated mother. I promise you to give the birth of a civilized society”.
It is true that after the independence of India many efforts have been done to provide more educational opportunities to women. Emphasis has been given to remove their illiteracy. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Gyan – Darshan programmes have been run at government level. The Govt. of Raj. has reserved 1/3 seats for women in the elections of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat samiti and Zila Parishad.
Many efforts are being done for the progress of women by Indian Parliament On the basis of all we are far from our goal yet. There are many burning questions which demand for satisfactory and correct answers. It is expected from law, society and administration for the security of women. Presently Kidnaping and rapes are being committed against women. Many women are victim of dowry deaths as well as they are the being dragged towards prostitution. Due to the
illiteracy of women their male relatives use their rights as Panch, Sarpanch and member of municipality.
Now a question arises what the solution for the development of women is. More and more jobs should be provided by the public sector for the progress of women. Progress should be done in the field of education, health and nutrition. Parents should treat equally between sons and daughters. Women should not blindly follow the western culture and raise voice against crimes. In –a-nutshell, it is accepted that women are equally important in society as men are. They are the backbone for a progressing nation. Demographically half a population of the country constitutes women and they deserve equal importance and rights in society.