Question

Explain the following statement with a reason.

The women’s liberation movement began.

Answer 1

1. The United Nations had declared 1975 as the International Women’s Year.
2. The three aspects of this programme were peace, development and equality between men and women.
3. In 1975, the government of India constituted the Committee on the Status of Women and appointed Dr. Phulrenu Guha as its Chairman.
4. A State-wide conference for women was held in 1975 organised by the Stree-mukti Sangharsha Samiti.
5. Women from all walks of life /regions participated in it. The Samiti published its manifesto in 1978. The policy of a struggle against discrimination on the basis of gender, caste and varna was adopted.
6. In 1977, groups like the Streemukti Andolan Samiti established by Soudamini Rao in Pune, Bayaja a fortnightly, as also Stree Uvach, Maitrin and Stree Anyayavirodhi Manch in Aurangabad, Mahila Dakshata Samiti in Kolhapur, Mahila Hakka in Nashik and Nari Prabodhan Manch in Latur were formed.
7. Anti-dowry protection committees were formed all over Maharashtra. A conference to protest against oppression of women was organised in Dhule city.

Answer 2

1. The national government established the Status of Women Committee in 1975. In 1975, the Stree-mukti Sangharsha Samiti launched a state-wide women's liberation movement that eliminated caste and gender discrimination. 
2. The post-independence Indian Constitution guaranteed gender equality. Thus, women gained the critical voting right. Men and women now have equal schooling and job possibilities.
3. Polygamy, dowries, and sati were illegal. The right to divorce was granted to women. They got property.
4. Women entered local self-government organizations to participate in politics. Women are also finding identities through liberation thoughts. 
5. They now actively participate in schools, work, administration, politics, etc.