Nobel Literature Prize for 2018 stands cancelled due to the then ongoing #MeToo campaign
INTERNATIONAL ORIENTED
The feminist movement (also known as the women’s movement, or simply feminism) refers to a series of political campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women’s suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, all of which fall under the label of feminism and the feminist movement.
Feminism in China — 1911 with Chinese Revolution
Popular Names —
JS Mill — The Subjection of Women
Simine Veil — French — contraception
Simone de Beauvoir — The Second Sex
Adrienne Rich
J S Tickner
India ORIENTED
It is the pursuit of women’s rights within the society (of India).
Three phases —
Before mid-18th century — Europeans began to speak out against social evils like Sati. Then came Socio-Religious Movements with a strong force for reformation of status of women in the society — education, marriage, widowhood
From 1915 to Independence — Gandhi promoted women’s movement to NCM, QIM and independent women movements
Post Independence — focused on fair treatment of women at home after marriage, in the work force and right to political parity.
Indian feminists face certain obstacles in Indian society that are not present or as prevalent in Western society.
Indian feminists draw attention to the powerful image of female Goddesses in Hinduism.
Unlike the Western feminist movement, India’s movement was initiated by men, and later joined by women.
Matriarchal societies — Scheduled Tribes
Nairs of Kerala, Shettys of Mangalore, Bengali families
Major Names (Indian) —
Draupadi, Goddess Kali, Sita, Shakuntala
Bhakti — Meera Bai, Avvaiyar, Karikal
Sampat Pal Devi — Gulabi Gang
Savitri Phule — first girls school
Tarabai Shinde — first India’s feminist text written by her
Pandita Ramabai — criticised patriarchy
RRM, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Gandhiji, Nehru and INM leaders
Aruna Asaf Ali
Laxmi Bai of Jhansi
The Indira Gandhi
Organisations —
All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) — close association with INC
National Federation of Indian Women
Localised women’s association — women’s education, livelihood etc
National Commission on Women
Women’s franchise and political participation
1970s saw the rise of post-independence Indian feminism
Kerala is often considered as leader in women rights. (High literacy rate)
Religious Angle
Role of Cinema and Bollywood
Role of Literature and Media
Role of women is often ignored in Indian history — be it Dalit history, Ambedkar’s movement or INM etc
Government Initiative —
BBBP
Concession on women education
Relaxation in screening tests
One-Stop Centres
Cabinet positions to women — Defence, External Affairs
Sex education and gender sensitisation
Kishor Varta — “It opens up a space for adolescent boys to reflect on and question gender roles they see around them.”
Sanitary Pads and Menstrual Hygiene drive
Nirbhaya Funds
Popular NGOs
Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) — Triple Talaq
Sayfty — women education and workshops
CREA — Feminist Human Rights Org. (Delhi)
Swayam — Kolkata — free from violence and discrimination
