Feminism and Women's Movement in India

Abstract

A political, cultural, or economic movement that aims to provide women equal legal protection and rights is called Feminism. Feminism is another name for the viewpoint that says women should have the same rights as men. "feminism" refers to a collection of concepts and viewpoints that address issues relating to gender inequality in society, politics, and culture.¹ In addition to promoting gender equality for women, this movement also promotes the rights and interests of women. According to studies by Maggie Humm1 and Rebecca Walker², there have allegedly been three significant waves of Feminism throughout history. The early twentieth century saw the start of the first wave of Feminism; the 1960s and early 1970s saw the start of the second wave; and the 1990s saw the start of the third wave, which is still strong today. Feminist philosophy was developed as a result of these different feminist movements. It has been studied in various academic fields, including feminist history, feminist geography, and feminist literary criticism. Because of the pre-colonial social structures and women's function, Feminism was conceptualised differently than in the West. Due to the essentialisation of "Indian culture" by the invaders and the rebuilding of Indian womanhood as the apex of that culture by social reform groups, nationalism rather than Feminism alone arose as the dominant political doctrine in India3. Despite the advances that have been made "on paper," many obstacles still prevent people from effectively utilising the new rights and opportunities that have been established. According to the Constitution of India, women are considered a "weaker section" of society and deserve help to participate equally in society.

This study looks at the connections between Feminism, feminists, and women's movements regarding Indian society and the rights given to women there. The focus of this investigation is India.