Describe the role of women in the national movement and their demands ...
Women played a significant role in the national movement of India and made important contributions towards the fight for independence. They actively participated in various forms of protests, campaigns, and movements, demanding their rights and equality. Their role in the national movement can be divided into several key aspects:
1. Participation in Mass Movements:
- Women participated in large numbers in mass movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.
- They organized and joined protests, marches, and satyagrahas, actively resisting British rule.
- Women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Nehru, and Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as prominent voices, inspiring and mobilizing women across the country.
2. Formation of Women's Organizations:
- Women formed various organizations to address their specific issues and fight for their rights.
- The All India Women's Conference, founded in 1927, became an important platform for women to voice their concerns and demands.
- These organizations worked towards social and political reforms, education, and the upliftment of women.
3. Demands for Rights:
- Women demanded equal rights and opportunities in various spheres of life, including education, employment, and political representation.
- They called for the abolition of discriminatory laws and practices, such as child marriage, purdah system, and sati.
- Women leaders actively promoted women's education and fought for the right to vote, which was eventually granted in 1947.
4. Role in Civil Disobedience:
- Women actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- They played a crucial role in the Salt Satyagraha, picketing of liquor shops, and the boycott of foreign goods.
- Women faced police brutality and imprisonment but remained resilient in their struggle for freedom.
5. Contribution to Non-violent Resistance:
- Women played a significant role in promoting non-violent resistance during the national movement.
- They organized and participated in protests, satyagrahas, and marches, emphasizing the power of ahimsa (non-violence) as a means of achieving freedom.
Overall, women played a crucial role in the national movement, actively participating in mass movements, forming organizations, and demanding their rights. Their contributions paved the way for women's empowerment and social progress in independent India.