6. Empowerment of Women and other Weaker Sections
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Nine History and Political Science.
ShareAdvertisement
Exercise
(1) In 1992, a movement against drinking alcohol was started in ...........
- a) Maharashtra
- b) Gujarat
- ✓ c) Andhra Pradesh
- d) Uttarakhand
Answer: In 1992, a movement against drinking alcohol was started in Andhra Pradesh.
(2) In 1975, the government of India formed the Committee on the Status of Women under the chairmanship of ...........
- ✓ a) Dr Phulrenu Guha
- b) Uma Bharati
- c) Vasundhara Raje
- d) Pramila Dandavate
Answer: In 1975, the government of India formed the Committee on the Status of Women under the chairmanship of Dr Phulrenu Guha.
| Activist | Organization / Associated Work |
|---|---|
| Saudamini Rao | Stree-Mukti Andolan Samiti |
| Vidya Bal | Nari Samata Manch |
| Pramila Dandavate | Mahila Dakshata Samiti |
| Jyoti Mhapsekar | Women's Commission |
Answer: The wrong pair is Jyoti Mhapsekar — Women's Commission.
Correction: Jyoti Mhapsekar is associated with writing the street play 'Mulgi Jhaali Ho' and her work with the Stree-mukti Sangharsha Samiti, not the Women's Commission.
Advertisement
(1) The women's liberation movement began.
The United Nations declared 1975 as the International Women's Year, which acted as a catalyst. In India, a comprehensive survey was conducted by the Committee on the Status of Women regarding education, wages, female-male ratio, and the overall social position of women. In response to the growing awareness of gender inequalities, a State-wide conference for women was held by the Stree-mukti Sangharsha Samiti in 1975, which subsequently published a manifesto in 1978 advocating a struggle against gender, caste, and varna discrimination. Soon, various groups, periodicals, and street plays emerged across the country, organizing women to fight collectively against oppressive practices like dowry and domestic abuse, thereby marking the beginning of a wider women's liberation movement.
(2) The Prohibition of Dowry (Amendment) Act was enacted in 1984.
Even after the enactment of the initial Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, alarming incidents of women mysteriously burning to death or drowning continued to be reported frequently. Investigations into these deaths consistently revealed that the undesirable tradition of dowry was the primary cause behind these tragedies. The role of the police, administration, and judiciary in failing to curb this menace was heavily highlighted, leading to widespread public awareness and outrage. Consequently, to address this serious issue and make the laws far more stringent, the Prohibition of Dowry (Amendment) Act was brought into force in 1984.
(3) The practice of untouchability was banned by law.
In the post-independence period, the Indian Constitution officially adopted the core values of freedom, equality, fraternity, and social justice. Untouchability was a deep-rooted social evil that inherently violated these constitutional principles by denying dignity and basic rights to a significant section of society. To ensure that the values of social justice were upheld and to eliminate the historical social and educational backwardness faced by these marginalized groups, the practice of untouchability was legally banned and eradicated under the 17th paragraph (Article 17) of the Constitution, further including these classes in the Scheduled Castes to facilitate their development.
(4) The Constitution gives cultural and educational rights to minorities.
India is a nation characterized by profound cultural diversity, encompassing numerous religions, sects, languages, and ethnic groups. In any society, a minority is a group with a distinct religion, language, or race that is fewer in number. In order to help these minority groups feel secure, preserve their unique cultural traditions, and develop their own languages without fear of assimilation, the Constitution grants them specific educational and cultural rights, which critically includes the right to set up and administer their own separate educational institutions.
(1) Chipko movement
The Chipko movement, which occurred in 1973, was a historic and powerful display of constructive woman power. When trees from the forests in the foothills of the Himalayas were slated to be cut down for commercial purposes, Chandiprasad Bhat and Sunderlal Bahuguna started an environmental movement to prevent this deforestation. Women, guided by local activists like Gaura Devi, Sudesha Devi, and Bachani Devi, adopted a unique non-violent strategy of holding hands and physically encircling each tree. Because they protected the trees by embracing them, it came to be known worldwide as the Chipko movement.
(2) Protection of Human Rights Act
Enacted in 1993, the Protection of Human Rights Act was designed to prevent systemic injustice against both men and women across the country. Under this act, the National Human Rights Commission, and subsequently various State Human Rights Commissions, were established to actively monitor and safeguard these rights. The law broadly deals with issues of collective oppression, the social conditions of divorced women, and ensuring safe and secure workplaces. It has played a highly effective role in mitigating gender-based injustices and offering a robust legal framework to protect the fundamental rights of citizens.
Explain with examples how the united strength of women can bring about constructive changes in various fields.
The united strength of women has historically acted as a catalyst for significant social reforms and policy changes across various fields. When women organize collectively, they possess the power to challenge deeply entrenched systemic issues.
In the economic field, the Laatne Morcha (rolling pin demonstration) of 1972 is a prime example. Under the leadership of Mrinal Gore, women in Mumbai united to protest the scarcity of supplies and the rising prices of essential commodities like oil, ghee, and kerosene, successfully demonstrating their collective strength to the government and public.
In the environmental sector, the Chipko Movement of 1973 showcased rural women physically encircling trees in the Himalayas to prevent commercial logging, successfully halting deforestation and protecting their agricultural economy.
In the social and public health arena, the Anti-liquor Movement of 1992 in Andhra Pradesh saw women uniting against the devastating effects of alcoholism on their families. They forced the closure of local arrack shops, compelling the state government to adopt a strict policy against alcohol sales. Furthermore, through organizations like the Stree-mukti Andolan Samiti and Mahila Dakshata Samiti, women collectively fought against oppressive social practices like dowry and domestic abuse, leading to the enactment of stringent protective laws such as the Sati (Prevention) Act and amendments to the Dowry Prohibition Act.
The Project activities (obtaining information about Mahila Sabhas in rural areas, preparing a portfolio about successful women in various fields, and writing a note about Women's Micro-credit Groups) are practical research assignments intended to be completed independently by students.