The Role of Women in India's Constitution
Women in the Constituent Assembly were crucial co-authors of the Constitution, but their contributions are often overlooked.
Scholars like Achyut Chetan emphasize that the Constitution reflects feminist input, with each article showing the influence of women in the process.
Christine Keating notes that while the Constitution aimed for political equality, it still perpetuated women’s subordination in private matters through discriminatory personal laws.
The Fight for Social Change
Women in the Assembly, including Amrit Kaur, aligned with B.R. Ambedkar to challenge patriarchal structures and promote social revolution.
They pushed for the inclusion of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to address gender inequality in personal laws, though it was relegated to the Directive Principles.
The inclusion of the Directive Principles was shaped by their efforts, emphasizing the state's duty to apply them in laws.
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the first Health Minister of India after the country gained independence
Secularism and Women's Rights
Secularism was viewed as central to the Constitution, with women leaders like Begum Aizaz Rasul and Hansa Mehta advocating for limits on religious freedoms to protect women's rights.
Amrit Kaur’s dissent argued that unrestricted religious freedom would block reforms like the Widow Remarriage Act, Sarda Act, and the abolition of sati, which were crucial for women's emancipation.
Ongoing Struggles for Equality
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay believed that the Constitution heralded a new beginning for women in India as it guaranteed equality and justice for them
Despite the constitutional promise of equality, the 1974 'Towards Equality' report showed little progress for women in the two decades following independence.
Post-independence, India has lacked a strong feminist jurist or stateswoman, and women’s representation in power remains low.
The Uniform Civil Code, designed to protect women, has not been fully implemented, reflecting ongoing gender injustice in the Republic.
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