The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, tothe promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices in India including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Leader of the Opposition. Women’s rights are secured under the Constitution of India — mainly, equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination; further, India has various statutes governing the rights of women. But what is the ground reality?

In the early seventies bride burning for getting inadequate dowry or the greed for hefty dowry demands by husbands and in-laws, had raised its ugly head. Violence against women was becoming rampant. The status of women was being eroded. Another issue was the neglect of education of girls, especially in rural areas where the daughters were made to sit at home for housework or baby-sitting whereas the sons enjoyed the privileges of education and better food. These issues disturbed me. Under the banner of Mahila Dakshata Samiti and along with the support of my dedicated team of members, we worked hard to fight these social evils. In the decades since our inception in 1977 we have achieved some success. Laws have got amended and new policies adopted to ensure women empowerment and upliftment of girl-child. However, we still have a long way to go. It is my earnest desire to see every woman empowered and every girl educated. I would like you all to join me in a collective effort to achieve this goal. I look forward to hearing from you.