GENDER JUSTICE IN THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

Abstract

A look at the status of women in India today is a cause for concern.  Right from female foeticide, infanticide, child marriage, domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual harassment at the work place to the ghastly treatment meted out to elderly women make any thinking person to wonder at the nature of the society.  Participation of women in the decision-making bodies – be they within the home, workplace or community – is marginal, never reaching even 25% of the total population of women in India.  At the same time women are seen as the bearers of Indian tradition and culture.  Without enabling women to exist as citizens with political and economic power is it possible for them to safeguard the tradition and culture of this country?  The status of women in British India and the princely States was worse and the various practices like sati, widowhood, child marriage, and female infanticide were all seen as reflective of the backwardness of Indian society and were, therefore, targeted for change.  The role of women in the National Movements and the rise of the women’s movements during the pre-independence days ensured that the Constitution of India and Independent India would see a change for the better in the status of women.