Social Reform Movement in India for Women during Pre-Independence
"The condition of a nation can be judged by the condition of its women." - Jawaharlal Nehru
1. Status of Women before the Reform Movements
Women were subjected to Sati, child marriage, purdah, and had no access to education or property rights.
They were socially ostracized and legally oppressed.
2. Pioneers of the Social Reform Movement for Women
Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated the abolition of Sati and women's rights. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
campaigned for widow remarriage and education. Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule championed women's and
Dalit education. Swami Dayanand Saraswati supported Vedic education for women. Pandita Ramabai
created shelters and promoted education. Annie Besant pushed for women's public involvement.
3. Legal and Legislative Reforms
Key laws included: Abolition of Sati (1829), Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act (1856), Female Infanticide
Prevention Act (1870), Age of Consent Act (1891), and the Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929).
4. Growth of Women's Education
Girls' schools and institutions were established. Missionaries and reformers promoted literacy. Women began
entering professions and higher education.
5. Participation of Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Begum Rokeya became active in national
movements, enhancing their public and political roles.
6. Limitations and Challenges
Patriarchy, religious orthodoxy, and rural neglect slowed progress. Reforms were largely urban-centric.
Conclusion
The movement laid the foundation for gender equality. It demonstrated that education and activism could
challenge deep-rooted norms and empower women.
"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved." - Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar
