Subject: Indian Society

India's women's movement has historically been criticized for its predominantly upper-class, urban character, raising questions about its inclusivity and effectiveness in addressing concerns of women from marginalized sections of society.

Historical Evolution and Class Bias

• The early feminist movement in India was largely led by educated, upper-caste women focusing on issues like widow remarriage and women's education.
• The movement primarily addressed concerns of urban, middle-class women while overlooking the intersectionality of caste, class, and gender discrimination.
• Issues like manual scavenging, bonded labor, and caste-based sexual violence affecting lower-caste women remained peripheral to mainstream feminist discourse.

Challenges Faced by Lower Strata Women

• Triple Burden: Women from lower social strata face discrimination based on class, caste, and gender simultaneously.
• Limited Access: Poor representation in decision-making bodies and restricted access to legal remedies and support systems.
• Economic Vulnerabilities: Concentration in informal sector jobs with minimal social security and labor protection.
• Social Barriers: Deep-rooted patriarchal structures combined with caste hierarchies creating multiple layers of oppression.

Recent Developments and Way Forward

• Intersectional Approach: Growing recognition of the need to address multiple forms of discrimination through initiatives like Mission Shakti and Stand Up India.
• Grassroots Mobilization: Emergence of Dalit feminist organizations and movements challenging both patriarchy and caste discrimination.
• Policy Interventions: Implementation of targeted schemes like PMMVY and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to support women across social strata.
• Legal Framework: Strengthening implementation of laws protecting marginalized women, such as the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

The women's movement in India needs to evolve into a more inclusive platform addressing the diverse challenges faced by women across social strata. Recent initiatives like Mission Shakti and grassroots movements led by Dalit women's organizations represent positive steps toward achieving this goal, but much remains to be done to ensure truly intersectional feminist advocacy.