“In the early twentieth century, there came into existence a number of women's organisations, which operated more actively in the public arena and focused more directly on women's political and legal rights.”

The Rise of Women’s Organizations

Prior to the 20th century, women’s involvement in public life was largely confined to social reform. However, the early decades of the 1900s saw the formation of organizations specifically geared towards political and legal empowerment.

Key Organizations and Their Contributions

• All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) (1927): Founded by Margaret Cousins, the AIWC became a prominent voice for women’s rights, advocating for legal reforms related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance. It played a crucial role in shaping legislation concerning women’s property rights and child marriage.
• National Council of Women in India (NCWI) (1925): This organization focused on coordinating the work of various women’s groups across the country and lobbying for legislative changes. It addressed issues like female education, health, and employment.
• Bharatiya Mahila Parishad (1930): Founded by Sarojini Naidu, this organization aimed to mobilize women’s support for the Indian National Congress and the freedom movement, while also advocating for women’s specific concerns.
• Forward Association (1918): Founded by Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, it focused on promoting education and self-reliance among women.

Focus on Political and Legal Rights

These organizations actively campaigned for:

• Suffrage: The demand for voting rights for women gained momentum, with organizations petitioning the government and organizing public demonstrations.
• Legal Reforms: They advocated for changes in laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and guardianship, seeking to eliminate discriminatory practices against women. The Special Marriage Act of 1872, while initially limited, provided a framework for inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, and these organizations pushed for its wider application and improvement.
• Property Rights: Securing women’s rights to own and inherit property was a major focus, challenging traditional patriarchal norms.
• Access to Education: Recognizing education as crucial for empowerment, they established schools and colleges for girls and campaigned for increased access to educational opportunities.

Methods Employed

Women’s organizations employed a variety of methods to achieve their goals:

• Lobbying: They engaged with government officials and legislators to advocate for policy changes.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: They organized rallies, conferences, and publications to raise awareness about women’s issues.
• Networking: They built alliances with other social and political organizations to strengthen their collective voice.
• Direct Action: Some organizations participated in protests and civil disobedience movements.

Socio-Political Context

Several factors contributed to the rise of these organizations:

• Nationalist Movement: The growing nationalist movement provided a platform for women to participate in public life and demand their rights.
• Western Influence: Exposure to Western feminist ideas inspired Indian women to challenge traditional gender roles.
• Education: Increased access to education empowered women with knowledge and skills, enabling them to advocate for their rights.
• Social Reform Movements: The legacy of earlier social reform movements laid the groundwork for the emergence of women’s organizations.