Historical Background

In medieval times, Indian women faced some of the harshest treatment in history. That period is often referred to as the “Dark Age” for women. During this time, India experienced several foreign invasions, like those by the Mughals and later the British. These outsiders brought their own customs, some of which harmed women’s rights even more, though a few changes helped improve their condition.

Back then, women were mostly seen as property—first of their fathers, then their husbands or brothers. They had little or no personal freedom. This gave rise to many harmful traditions, such as Child Marriage, Sati, Jauhar, and the denial of girls’ education.

Harmful Practices in the Past

• Sati: This was the custom where a widow would burn herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. Some believed this act would ensure her place in heaven. Although not forced in the beginning, women who followed this practice were considered honorable.
• Jauhar: This was a mass suicide ritual among Rajput women. When their husbands went to fight a losing battle, the women would burn themselves alive to avoid falling into enemy hands and protect their dignity.
• Child Marriage: Girls were often married as young as 8–10 years old. They were not allowed to study and were trained only for household work. Early marriage caused many health issues for girls, such as repeated childbirth at a young age and a high death rate among mothers and babies.
• Restrictions on Widows: Widows had to live a life of isolation. They were seen as unlucky and not allowed to participate in any festivals or happy occasions. Many had to shave their heads and wear plain clothes. Remarrying was strictly forbidden.
• Purdah System: Women were made to cover themselves with veils to “protect” them from outside eyes. This system limited their freedom and movement.
• Female Education: Girls, especially in Hindu society, were not given formal education. They were only taught how to manage household chores.
• Devadasi Tradition: In parts of South India, girls were dedicated to temples and became “Devadasis” or servants of God. They lived in temples and performed music and dance, but over time, this system was misused and led to the exploitation of many women.

Women in Modern India: A Mixed Picture

Today, the condition of women in India is much better than in the past, but problems still exist. Women are achieving success in various fields, yet many still face violence and discrimination—even within their own families. While some women are leaders, professionals, and educated, others continue to struggle for basic rights.

Ongoing Issues Faced by Indian Women

Malnutrition: In many poor households, especially in villages, women eat last and often get less food. This leads to poor health due to lack of nutrition.

Poor Health: Many girls are not breastfed long enough or cared for properly. Women often aren’t allowed to travel alone—even for medical help—which makes health problems worse.

Maternal Deaths: Many girls marry young and become mothers before their bodies are ready. Lack of care during pregnancy leads to serious health problems and even death in some cases.

Lack of Education: In rural areas, many girls still don’t go to school. Families focus on educating boys, while girls are expected to do housework and marry early. Concerns about safety, poverty, and tradition stop girls from getting an education.

Violence and Mistreatment: Violence against women is common, even in cities. Domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and even dowry deaths are still major problems. Many crimes against women go unreported or unpunished.

Overwork: Indian women often work more than men, but their work—especially household labor—is not recognized or valued. Even women who help in farming or other labor are often not counted as “working.”

Lack of Freedom: Many women cannot make decisions about their own lives. They need permission from male family members for most things, including marriage and travel.

Marriage and Dowry: In many cases, women are not allowed to choose their life partners. Arranged marriages are common, and dowry demands often lead to harassment and even death. Women who bring large dowries are treated better than those who don’t.

Female Foeticide and Infanticide: Even today, girl children are unwanted in some families. Ultrasound technology is misused to detect the baby’s gender, and if it’s a girl, the pregnancy may be ended. The woman’s opinion is usually ignored in such decisions.

Divorce and Social Stigma: Divorce rates in India are low, not because all marriages are happy, but because many women are forced to stay in unhappy marriages due to societal pressure.

Road Ahead

Despite all these problems, Indian women continue to fight for their rights. They are talented, hardworking, and strong. Many of them are making progress and living life on their own terms, but there is still a long journey ahead before true equality is achieved.