IMPACT OF RELIGION AND CULTURE ON WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Down the ages men have been perceived to be the sole recipients and transmitters of divine messages. Women on the other hand, have been socialized by patriarchal religious structures and practices to passively accept religious teachings as interpreted by men. These andocentric and patriarchal interpretations have defined and shaped the social and cultural contexts of Indian women resulting in their disempowerment and second class status. Recognizing the influence of religion and culture on Indian women’s lives, Streevani took the initiative to organize a National Consultation on the theme “Impact of Religion and Culture on Women’s Empowerment: An Indian Perspective” from 23rd to 26th September, 2016 in Hyderabad. The Montfort Social Institute hosted the meeting and was also a coorganizer together with the Indian Christian Women’s Movement, The Indian Women Theologians Forum, and Satyashodak. 50 people, religious women and men, lay women and one diocesan priest were present.