International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

M. K. Gandhi and Question of Women

Dr. Vandana Parmar
Department of History, Shri S. K. Shah and Shri Krishna O. M. Arts College, Modasa, Gujarat – 383315, India

I. INTRODUCTION

In the twentieth century, M. K. Gandhi became an important leader, due to growing awareness in Indian people, anger against the ‘petition’ method, criticisms against the British imperialism and consolidations of the Indian National Congress. He fought against British colonialism with the new technique that is non-violent struggle. His analysis of social issues brought the question of inferior status of Indian women and the existence of untouchability in the political domain. He rejected western civilization, parliamentary democracy and English education system in relation to appreciation of Indian tradition, spirituality, and morality, however, criticised negative social norms and exploitative customs (such as child marriage, dowry system, enforced widowhood and so on) that replicated the inferior status of Indian women.
Before the advent of Gandhian movement, women participation was least in the political activities. Women were given modest representation in Gandhian movement and politics. Women played an important role to make successful the constructive programme and campaign for social change like anti-untouchability campaign. In this backdrop, women’s position became important in the Gandhain politics and their contribution in Gandhian nationalism that is swaraj. In this paper, an attempt is made to examine Gandhi’s views on women and negative social norms and exploitative customs along with his contribution and method of women empowerment.

M. K. Gandhi and Empowerment of Women

Gandhi introduced Indian women in the mass movement and political arena. He raised the inferior status of women in Indian society. Along with the appreciation of Indian tradition and values, he criticised negative social norms and exploitative customs. The significant features of his political movement i.e. non-violent struggle included Indian women in the public sphere. Therefore, being a political leader, his contribution towards women empowerment becomes important. Here, I describe the method and contribution of Gandhi to empower women.

Introduction of Women in the Mass Movement

Massive inclusion of women was the significant aspect of Gandhian movement. Before Gandhian movement, there was least women participation in the public arena. How could women’s participation in the public forum help to empower them? He challenged the British colonialism as the oppressive force in terms of de-humanisation.