GENDER EQUAL ITY AND

WOMEN’S R IGHTS

WOMEN

Gender equality, also known as sex equality, gender egalitarianism, sexual equality or equality of the

genders, is the view that both men and women should receive equal treatment and not

be discriminated against based on their gender.

G E N D E R E Q U A L I T Y

“GENDER EQUALITY IS NOT A

WOMEN’S ISSUSE.

IT AFFECTS US ALL.”

History of women empowerment

A N C I E N T C U L T U R E S

The role of women in ancient Greek society certainly seems to mirror that advice. Women had no role in the mechanics of democracy at ancient Athens.

M O D E R N M O V E M E N T S

In the subsequent decades women's rights again became an important issue in the English speaking world. By the 1960s the movement was called "feminism" or "women's liberation." Reformers wanted the same pay as men, equal rights in law, and the freedom to plan their families or not have children at all. Their efforts were met with mixed results.

W O M E N ‘ S R I G H T S

Women's rights  are

the rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls of many societies worldwide, and formed the basis to the women's rights movement in the nineteenth century and feminist movement during the 20th century. In some countries, these rights are institutionalized or supported by law, local custom, and behavior, whereas in others they may be ignored or suppressed.

R I G H T T O V O T E

During the 19th century some women began to ask for, demand, and then agitate and demonstrate for the right to vote - the right to participate in their government and its law making. 

W O M E N I N I N D I A

The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia . With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha , Leader of the Opposition, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors.

A N C I E N T I N D I A

Women during the early Vedic period enjoyed equal status with men in all aspects of life.

Works by ancient Indian grammarians such as  Patanjali  and  Katyayana  suggest that women were educated in the early Vedic period. Rigvedic verses suggest that women married at a mature age and were probably free to select their own husbands. Scriptures such as the Rig Veda and Upanishads mention several women sages and seers, notably Gargi and  Maitreyi.

M E D I E V A L P E R I O D

Indian women's position in society further deteriorated during the medieval period , when child marriages and a ban on remarriage by widows became part of social life in some communities in India. The Muslim conquest in the Indian subcontinent brought purdah to Indian society. Among the Rajputs of Rajasthan, the  Jauhar was practised. In some parts of India, some of Devadasis were sexually exploited. Polygamy was practised among Hindu Kshatriya rulers for some political reasons.In many Muslim families, women were restricted to  Zenan a areas of the house

H I S T O R I C A L P R A C T I C E S

Traditions such as Sati , Jauhar , and Devadasi among some some communities have been banned and are largely defunctin mordern india .

However some instances of these practices are still found in remote parts of India.

The Purdah is still practiced by Indian women in some communities .

Child marriage remain common in rural areas , although it is illegal under current Indian law

SatiJauharPurdahDevadasis

I N D E P E N D E N T I N D I AWomen in India now

participate fully in areas such as education, sports, politics, media, art and culture, service sectors, science and technology, etc. Indira Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister of India for an aggregate period of fifteen years, is the world's longest serving woman Prime Minister

The Constitution of India Guarantees…..

Indian women equality .

No discrimination by the State .

Equality of opportunity.

Equal pay for equal work.

It allows special provisions to be made by the State in favour of women and children.

C H A L L E N G E S T O O U R

C O N S T I T U T U I O NRape

Violence against victimsMarital rape

Domestic violenceDiagnosis planning

Honor killings Dowry violenceAcid throwing

Forced marriageSexual harassment

Forced sterilization and forced abortion

Human trafficking and forced prostitution

W O M E N 'S P R I O R I T I E S

"Women always prioritise themselves, at the last. We need to be our first priority. It is important for us to nurture a sense of self worth and satisfaction, from our own achievements, than seek validation from outside. Women have a unique gift of tough love. We can be compassionate, sensitive, loving and patient and yet display great strength in trying situations. This gift is why we need more women in law enforcement."