introduction
Women’s Rights: Struggle, Constitution, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – It is said that behind every successful man living in society, there is the hand of a woman. But I personally feel that behind the progress of all women in India, there is the hand of only one great man, and that man is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Many social reformers have lived in society. Every social reformer contributed something for society. They treated everyone equally without looking at caste or religion and worked for social awareness through different mediums. Among them, the first social reformer whose name comes to mind is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Babasaheb worked for people of all castes and religions in society. Mainly, he worked to bring women into the mainstream of society and to ensure that they received treatment equal to men.
Today, women in the country have received many rights because of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. When a three-day conference was held at Mahad, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar delivered a speech addressing women. In that speech, Babasaheb discussed many points such as how women should improve their lifestyle, what things they should be careful about while living in society, and how they should oppose injustice.
In earlier times, society had various customs and traditions. Along with that, strict rules and conditions were imposed on women. Babasaheb worked tirelessly to free women from these oppressive rules and conditions. By carefully studying such customs, traditions, and rules in society and making reforms in them, he presented the draft of the Hindu Code Bill. It took 4 years, 1 month, and 26 days to prepare it.
When the UNO celebrated Women’s Day for the first time, the main reason behind it was to reduce the working hours of women, whether they were working in companies, administration, or any other place. The contribution of reducing this working time was done effortlessly by one fatherly man without organizing any march or movement, and that man was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. For this cause, Babasaheb resigned from his post as Law Minister and presented the Hindu Code Bill.
Before this, the definition of a woman was limited only to kitchen and children. Earlier, the perspective of looking at women was different. Today, a woman can fight any battle shoulder to shoulder with a man. She can reach high positions in any administration. Even today in India, a woman who received education from a hut can become the President of the country. This is because of the Constitution written by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Therefore, every woman in society should understand that the first person who worked for the upliftment of women was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Contribution Towards Women in the Hindu Code Bill
Equality of Law Between Men and Women
That is, according to Article 39, Sub-section (d) of the Constitution, if a woman and a man are working on the same post at different places in India, both will receive equal salary. Earlier, this was not the case. Women were paid less than men at any workplace. But now, if a woman and a man are employed in the same category of job, the remuneration they receive will be equal.
A Woman Can Adopt a Child by Her Own Choice
Earlier, this was not the case. If a woman could not give birth to a child, she had to suffer immense harassment from her family members. Sometimes, she was even thrown out of the house. But now, a woman can adopt a child according to her own will.
Women Have the Right to Marry Regardless of Caste
This means that if a woman has completed the age of 18 years, is an adult, understands her decisions and emotions, then she has the right to marry according to her own choice. No one can break that marriage, even if it is an inter-caste marriage.
Freedom of Single Marriage
Earlier, men in society could marry as many times as they wished. But now, without the consent of the first wife or without divorce, no man can marry again in society.
Daughters Have Equal Rights in Property After Father’s Death
Earlier, once a daughter got married, it was believed that her right over her parents ended. But now, a woman has equal rights over her parents’ property just like a man.
Right of Widow to Remarry
Earlier, on 4 December 1829, the practice of Sati was abolished. That means after the husband’s death, the wife was forcibly taken to his funeral pyre by family members. The situation in earlier times was extremely bad. Widows had to live a restricted life. They could not wear anything except white sarees. But today, if a woman’s husband has passed away, she can wear colorful sarees or apply a black bindi and live freely in society.
Punishment and Penalty for Harassing Women
If any man teases a woman, commits violence, abuses her, or tries to harass her in different ways while living in society, Babasaheb has made provisions to punish such acts. Even if someone stares at a woman continuously for more than 19 seconds, it is considered an offense of outraging modesty. Earlier, this was not the case. Earlier, the punishment for such acts was only a fine of 18 rupees. That means everything depended on money. But now, it is not so.
A Wife with Her Husband or a daughter with Her Son Can Build Economic Stability
That means a woman can work just like her husband. Earlier, women did not even have the freedom to walk on the road. Their role was limited only to kitchen and children. Their existence was confined to managing the family and serving their husband. But all this was changed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Six Months of Paid Leave for Women Working in Government Services
If a woman is pregnant, there is a provision for leave up to one year. Along with this, the bonus given during Diwali as compensation for work was also introduced by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Conclusion
That means, if women in India can say that they have the right to express their opinions, the right to work, the right to property of their fathers, the right to choose their husband, the right to marry, and the right to forget traditional customs and say “I am building a nation,” then it is because of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Therefore, if there is anyone behind the progress of women in India, it is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
- The above thoughts are the young author’s own. He has structured the article based on his experience, knowledge, and perspective.
Author Bio – Shalmon Sable | Political Science | Youth development | Facilitator | Samavesh Fellow | GOYN Advisory Member | CYDA Youth4Change Member | Empowering youth & communities.
