Although women have made notable accomplishments in every field of life that are worth commemorating, patriarchy nevertheless dominates our culture to such an extent that long-standing problems impacting women persist today.

 

It is to be noted that 2022 will mark not only the country's 75th anniversary of independence but also 100 years of women's voting rights in parliamentary democracies and its courts. In addition, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the illustrious All India Dalit Women's Conference, which was held in Nagpur. It is crucial to remember all these democratic victories that our ancestors have passed down to us after enormous sacrifices. 

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Among the well-known freedom fighters without whom, our dream of independence would not have been possible are Rani Lakshmi Bai, Begum Hazarat Mahal, Aruna Asaf Ali, Sucheta Kriplani, Annie Beasant ,Savitri Bai Phule, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad , Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad,  Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and others. Because of their efforts, our nation is currently free from British rule. The citizens of our nation honour our freedom fighters on August 15. There was an interview that said that there were 30,000 women in prisons in 1932. This raised several questions. At that period household names included prominent women from the movement like Sarojini Naidu and Vijayalakshmi Pandit. But we do not know these 30,000 women. What transpired with them following Independence? Did they return to their houses and resume the household responsibilities that had previously been assigned to them? Why weren't they in politics, save for a select few? And why were these few women always associated with powerful men?

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India's health and development continue to be significantly hampered by gender disparity. There is widespread gender discrimination and a persistent disadvantage for female survival. Unacceptably high levels of malnutrition and anaemia still exist, and they have hardly decreased despite supplementation programs. Access of healthcare to women is still less as compared to men, and their participation in the labour market has significantly plummeted. Gains in the areas of child marriage, domestic violence, and dropping out of school were undone by the pandemic. It would take a significant adjustment in social, cultural, and institutional norms to reverse these gender prejudices. But if the political system refuses to acknowledge these inequalities, let alone take steps to close them, nothing will change. But from a positive light, India has advanced significantly since its founding in 1947 compared to several variables that define women, such as economic and political empowerment, justice, safety, health, and dignity. There has been some social improvement in India during the past 75 years in several areas that affect women. There has been a noticeable improvement in indicators including education, crime, gender equality, and woman empowerment.

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Despite the numerous victories the transgender community has seen in India owing to landmark judgments, systemic oppression, and queerphobia, which are pervasive at various levels of society, occasionally rear their ugly heads. Through ad hoc progressive decrees and decisions, courts all over India have attempted to address incidents of oppression and prejudice against the transgender community. This was also seen in the landmark judgement of Navtej Singh Johar.

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The next 25 years feel like a major trajectory for growth and development but it also brings with it fair share of problems . Although embracing equality and gender justice cannot be rushed, there is also no other option. I have faith that there will be more women involved in parliamentary politics and policymaking in the future. I think women will be crucial in bringing about world peace and harmony, and as a result, I envision much greater economic equality and fairness. I believe that women are more sensitive to suffering than men because they care, nurture, and raise children. For this reason, I also think that the leadership of women around the world may put an end to hostilities and violence.

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"A moment comes…when an age ends, when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance”

— Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

 

We must wait and hope that all of the silenced voices, even in free India, will be heard. That is going to be true Independence.