An important feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the large-scale participation of women.During Gandhiji’s salt march, thousands of women came out of their homes to listen to him.They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, andpicketed foreign cloth and liquor shops.Many went to jail.In urban areas these women were from high-caste families; in rural areas they came from rich peasant households.Moved by Gandhiji’s call, they began to see service to the nation as a sacred duty of women.Yet, this increased public role did not necessarily mean any radical change in the way the position of women was visualised.Gandhiji was convinced that it was the duty of women to look after home and hearth, be good mothers and good wives.And for a long time the Congress was reluctant to allow women to hold any position of authority within the organisation.It was keen only on their symbolic presence. 

Introduction:
The reluctance of Congress to allow women to hold positions of authority within the organization can be attributed to various factors. However, it is important to note that women actively participated in the civil disobedience movement, despite facing numerous challenges and limitations.

Reasons for Congress' Reluctance:
1. Traditional Gender Roles: The prevailing societal norms and traditional gender roles during that time perceived women as being primarily responsible for domestic duties. Men were considered the primary decision-makers and leaders in public and political spheres.

2. Conservative Outlook: Many members of Congress held conservative views and were resistant to change. They believed that women's involvement in politics and positions of authority would disrupt the existing social order.

3. Fear of Public Backlash: Congress feared potential public backlash if they allowed women to hold positions of authority. They were concerned about losing support from conservative sections of society who opposed women's rights and equality.

4. Male Dominated Leadership: The leadership of Congress was predominantly male, and they were reluctant to relinquish their positions of power and authority to women. This created a strong barrier for women to gain equal representation within the organization.

Women's Participation in Civil Disobedience Movement:
1. Mass Protests: Women actively participated in mass protests and rallies during the civil disobedience movement. They joined alongside men in marches, picketing, and demonstrations, demanding independence and social reforms.

2. Salt March: Women played a significant role in the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi. They actively participated in making salt, organizing meetings, and spreading the message of nonviolence.

3. Boycott of Foreign Goods: Women participated in the boycott of foreign goods by making their own cloth, picketing foreign shops, and encouraging others to join the movement. They also actively participated in the spinning of khadi (indigenous cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance.

4. Civil Disobedience Campaigns: Women organized and led civil disobedience campaigns in various regions. They participated in protests against oppressive land laws, unfair taxation, and social discrimination.

5. Nonviolent Resistance: Women demonstrated their commitment to nonviolent resistance by engaging in acts of civil disobedience such as breaking salt laws, refusing to pay taxes, and participating in satyagraha (nonviolent resistance).

Conclusion:
Despite Congress' initial reluctance to allow women to hold positions of authority, women actively participated in the civil disobedience movement. They defied societal norms and contributed significantly to the struggle for independence and social reforms. Their participation in protests, campaigns, and acts of civil disobedience played a crucial role in shaping the movement and highlighting the importance of women's rights and equality.