Women in Society

A WOMAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN GIVEN A MUCH HIGHER STATUS

Period of the vedas

• women enjoyed equal freedom with men
• equal opportunities in the religious and spiritual fields
• undergo Upanayana, study the Vedas and even take to monastic life
• women occupied a very important position
• women considered superior to men

Powerful Hindu Women:

• Gargi, wife of Mandanamishra
• appointed a judge because of her superior spiritual attainments.
• Kaikeye, a warrior queen
• helped husbands on the battlefields.

MODERN DAY

• Positions range from equal positions as men, to restrictive.
• women do play an important of role in Hinduism
• situation gradually changing, women are still subject to many restrictions and disabilities
• life is better for them compared to the past centuries
• treat husband as god, husbands treat them as goddesses

WOMEn's relevance

• Ancient: revered, highly respected
• 19th century: women became subservient
• Post-Gandhi: the Indian sub-continent has had women in powerful positions

Issues:

• countries don't provide equal rights for women
• gender inequality in the treatment of children
• violence against women continues
• human trafficking, sexual harassment
• gender based abortions, slanted sex ratio

Solutions:

• Indira Gandhi, female prime minister
• provided an example of female success
• educate women
• give women a sense of purpose

Outlook for the future:

• movements indicate change
• however, social change in India evolves slowly