Mahila Sashktikaran se Sambandhit Shaskiya Nitiyan Evam Karyakramon ka Alochnatamak Adhyayan (Madhyapradesh Prant ke Vishesh Sandarbh me)

A Critical Study of Government Policies and Programs Related to Women's Empowerment (With Special Reference to the State of Madhya Pradesh)

Abstract

Women are the foundation of society. In Indian society, women have always been given the highest status and have been accepted in various roles. A woman is an eternal force who has shouldered numerous social responsibilities since ancient times. Despite this, she has been placed in a lower social hierarchy for a long period in Indian society. However, this does not imply that the social status of women has always been secondary.
If we look at history, it is evident that during the pre-Vedic era, women enjoyed equal rights and responsibilities as men. They were fully aware and active in their roles for themselves and society. However, due to a lack of education, the religious and social status of women gradually declined.
During the Mughal era, more restrictions were imposed on women's freedom, significantly curtailing their independence. In many ways, women were considered the property of men. They were bound by so many social constraints that their independent identity was almost lost, and their lives became confined to the household.
In the 19th century, major social reformers focused their social and religious reform movements on improving the status of women. As a result, several significant laws were passed, such as the Abolition of Sati Act (1829), the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act (1856), the Female Infanticide Prevention Act (1870), and the Special Marriage Act (1872). These reforms significantly improved the social and economic status of women. As a result, women became not only economically empowered but also an aware and active part of society, enabling them to stand alongside men in every aspect of life.
Despite various government efforts, although there has been an improvement in women's status, challenges still remain. The increasing incidents of violence against women highlight the gaps that still exist. Crimes such as dowry-related murders, female infanticide, and various other adversities continue to persist. These issues have contributed to a declining gender ratio, and even today, many women do not feel completely safe when alone.