“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

The early decades of the 20th century saw the proliferation of women’s organizations across India, reflecting diverse ideologies and regional contexts. These organizations were instrumental in articulating women’s demands and mobilizing support for their cause.

Key Organizations and Their Contributions

• All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) (1927): Founded by Margaret Cousins, the AIWC became a leading 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, also founded by Margaret Cousins, focused on coordinating the activities of various women’s groups and advocating for women’s suffrage. It worked closely with the Indian National Congress to push for women’s political participation.
• Bengal Women’s League (1920): Established by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, this organization focused on the education and empowerment of Muslim women in Bengal. It challenged traditional norms and advocated for equal access to education and employment.
• Rashtriya Stree Parishad (1930): Founded by Sarojini Naidu, this organization aimed to unite women from different backgrounds and regions to work towards national independence and women’s rights.

Focus on Political and Legal Rights

These organizations actively campaigned for:

• Suffrage: The demand for women’s right to vote gained momentum, with organizations lobbying the government and organizing public demonstrations. While limited suffrage was granted in provinces in 1921, full universal suffrage was achieved only after independence.
• Property Rights: Existing laws often denied women the right to own and inherit property. Organizations like the AIWC advocated for legal reforms to ensure women’s economic independence.
• Marriage and Divorce Laws: Organizations campaigned against child marriage, polygamy, and for the right of women to divorce and remarry. The Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 was a significant outcome of this advocacy.
• Equal Opportunities in Employment: Women began to demand equal access to education and employment opportunities, challenging traditional gender roles.

Methods Employed

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

• Lobbying: Organizations actively lobbied government officials and legislators to support their demands.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: They organized public meetings, rallies, and demonstrations to raise awareness about women’s issues.
• Publications: Organizations published journals, pamphlets, and books to disseminate information and mobilize support.
• Networking: They established networks with other women’s organizations and international feminist groups.

Socio-Political Context

The rise of these organizations was facilitated by several factors:

• Nationalist Movement: The growing nationalist movement provided a platform for women to participate in public life and demand political rights.
• Western Education: Increased access to Western education empowered women with new ideas and perspectives.
• Influence of International Feminism: The suffragette movement in Britain and other international feminist movements inspired Indian women to fight for their rights.