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DR. B.R. AMBEDKARS VIEWS ON WOMEN PROBLEMS & WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT
Ms. Bhagyashree H. Chauhan
Research Scholar, MES Abasaheb Garware College,
chauhan.bhagya@gmail.com
Abstract
The word women empowerment essentially means that the women have the power or
capacity to regulate their day- to- day lives in the social, political and economic terms -a
power which enables them to move from the periphery to the center stage .When we discuss
about women empowerment we remember the person Dr.Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and
social reformer who always want equality in society, through upliftment of women and their
rights.Dr.B.R.Ambedkar the determined fighter and a deep scholar has made significant
efforts to lead the society on the path of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. He was first Indian
to brake down the barriers in the way of advancement of women in India. Being a pioneer of
social justice, he always worked for the women emancipation. His principle aim was to build
up a society based on social justice. To secure and fulfill his dreams he thought everybody
should be equal irrespective of caste, creed, gender and religion. For that reason he started
work for the upliftment of women and their rights.
The present paper is an attempt to highlight Dr. Ambedkar's view & thoughts on women
problems and women empowerment and its relevancy in present scenario.
Keywords: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Social justice, Women Rights, Women Empowerment.

DR. B.R. AMBEDKARS VIEWS ON WOMEN PROBLEMS & WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT
Ms. Bhagyashree H. Chauhan
Research Scholar, MES Abasaheb Garware College,
chauhan.bhagya@gmail.com
.I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have
achieved.
B.R. Ambedkar

Introduction
Dr.B.R. Ambedkar was a saviour of the suppressed classes, a noted Jurist, the chief architect
of India constitution, a profound scholar, a daring leader and the greatest proper of Indian
constitution. The role played by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar has left its imprint on the social
tapestry of the country after independence and shaped the political and civic contours of India
today. It would have been a different India without him and in all probability, a much more
inequitable and unjust one. He not only struggled throughout his life for the emancipation of
social status of the underprivileged and women in the Indian society, he is one amongst the
few Indian social and political thinker, who has done original thinking on the Hindu social
order and the status of women within the Hindu society.
Women in India suffer on two counts- first, because the society as a whole is impoverished,
and second, because they are women, Kumar, Shiva (1996), to change and overcome this
situation Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has played a pivotal role.
Ambedkar was not only the father of Indian Constitution; he was a great freedom fighter,
political leader, philosopher, thinker, economist, editor, social reformer, revivalist of
Buddhism and was first Indian to brake down the barriers in the way of advancement of
women in India. He laid down the foundation of concrete and sincere efforts by codifying the
common Civil Code for Hindus and other sections of the Indian society. He stated that
women should be given all round development more importantly social education, their
wellbeing and socio-cultural rights. He emphasized that each and every section of Indian
women be given their due share and it is a must to maintain and protect dignity and modesty
of women.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar always believed in movements led by women. He also added that if
the women from all walks of life are taken in to confidence, they may play a significant role
in the social reforms. They have played very massive and active role to eradicate the social
abuses. He insisted that every married woman must participate in her husbands activities as a
friend. But she must show the courage to deny the life of slaves. She should insist on the
principle of equality. If all the women follow it, they will get the real respect and their own
identity. Gunjal V.R. (2012).

Objectives:

1. To evaluate the views and thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on women problems &
empowerment of women in pre and post independent India.
2. To analyze the present scenario of women empowerment and Dr. B.R. Ambedkars
thoughts.
Research Methodology:
The Research is mainly based on Secondary data. Secondary Data have been collected from
internet, journal, newspapers, published papers, and books.
Analysis of the Study:
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar started his movement in 1920. He raised his voice against the Hindu social
order and social system through his renowned journal Mook Nayak in 1920 and Bahiskrit
Bharat in 1927. Almost through its all issues he spoke on the gender equality, women
education and exposed the problems related to women and other depressed class. He was also
a strong advocate of family planning measures for women in Bombay Legislative Assembly.
Ambedkars perception of women question, emphasizing their right to education, equal
treatment with men, right to property and involvement in the political process resembled the
global feminists demand. As J. S. Mill expressed in the Subjection of Women, the legal
subordination of one sex to the other is wrong in itself and one of the chief hindrance to
human development; and ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no
privilege or power on the one side, nor disability on the other, Ambedkar also holds the same
views on work for women.
In January 1928, a womens association was founded in Bombay with Ramabai, Ambedkars
wife, as its president. In the Kalram Temple Entry Satyagraha at Nasik in 1930, five hundred
women participated and many of them were arrested along with men and ill-treated in jails.
The encouragement of Dr. Ambedkar to empower women to speak boldly was seen when
Radhabai Vadale addressed a press conference in 1931. She said It is better to die a hundred
times than live a life full of humiliation. We will sacrifice our lives but we will win our
rights. The credit for this self respect and firm determination of women goes to Ambedkar.
As, During the Introduction of Hindu Code Bill in the Parliament, Dr. Ambedkar had been
strongly opposed by many MPs. Although later on, Ambedkar supported his views on the
ground that womens right to property was accepted by Brihaspati Smriti and divorce by
Parashara Smriti. T.Bharati (1992). To understand the contribution rendered by Ambedkar
to liberate women from the cruel command of men, we have to trace out the status of women
from the Vedic period to British raj. In the initial stage of human history, the families were
matriarchal. In those days of matriarchal families, it is a well-known fact that women were
physically stronger than men. During menstruation, pregnancy and child birth, she had to
depend upon men for food and her protection which subsequently enslaved her and society
took the form of Patriarchal. In this way the matriarchal families have been changed to
patriarchal families. Still women continued to enjoy authority and respect in the family. This
was continued to Vedic period.
Status of Women in Vedic Period: - In the Vedic period women enjoyed all the necessary
rights which are common for a human being. The women had access to all branches of
learning. In Brahadaranika Upanishad (III, 6-8) we are told that in the king Janakas Court,
the maiden scholar Gargi was examined in her knowledge by Yaghavalkya. The women

enjoyed equal position on par with men. Even in a religious ceremony, women played an
important role. No religious ceremony by men was complete without participation of his
wife. For instance, Rama had to get statue of Sita made to carry on with ceremonies for
Ashawmegh Yagna. In that period, the girls were free to choose their husband in open
Sayambars
Status of Women in Later Vedic period: - The status of women in later Vedic period had
been down grading and enslaving through sexual discrimination. The socio-economic status
of the women was decreasing day by day. Many orthodox principles were imposed upon
them and they had been deprived of basic human rights and opportunities. They were treated
as slaves. They had no choices or freedom. They had been discriminated by men and
orthodoxy structure of the society; even the minority suffered at the hands of majority. They
were considered as one of the three Ws-the wine, women and wealth .T.Bharathi (1992). The
women were expected to show their obedience to men. They had no property rights but they
were treated as the property of men. Consequently the women in later Vedic period had
thrown in complete darkness.
According to Manu, in his book Manu Smriti, it is the very nature of women to corrupt
men verse 2(213); women has no right to acquire property verse 8 (416); Rules like serving
husbands faithfully even, if he is devoid of any good qualities verse 154 (5); a girl, a young
women or even an old woman should not do anything independently, even in her own house,
verse 147 (5). A widow should be long suffering until death, self-restrained and chaste
(Abstain re-marring) verse 158 (5). She should obey her husband while he is alive and not
violate her vow to him when he is dead 151 (5). Shankara charya of kerala (9 th century AD)
proclaimed A woman is a sure gate of hell & she poison in the disguise nectar. In India so
called Golden rule of gupta dynasty kings proved worst period for women, when Brahminical
Rules & dogmas, codified against women were got strictly enforced.
The Artha Shastra stated that the principle aim of woman is to get married and bear children.
Bhishma and Yudhistira believed that the woman is the root cause of the evil. Katha
Upanishad (2-5) strictly warns men not to follow women for they strut about within the
periphery of ignorance. The system started for keeping unmarried girls/women in temples
Dev-Dassies for the service including sexual abuse by the priest in the name of God.
Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Views and Discussion on Women Problems:
Dr. Ambedkar discussed a number of problems of Indian women and sought for their
solutions in Bombay Legislative Council, in the Viceroys Assembly as the chairman of the
Drafting Committee and also in the Parliament as the first Law Minister of Independent
India. Dr. Ambedkar was sworn in as nominated members of the Bombay Legislative Council
on 18th Feb., 1927. He advised Indians to participate in the world war on behalf of the British
Government. His arguments on the Maternity Benefit Bill and on Birth Critical were quite
relevant to recognize the dignity of women. He vehemently supported the Maternity Bill.
Women started participating in satyagraha and also launched womens associations for
untouchable women for spreading education and awareness among them. In the Mahad
Satyagraha for temple entry in 1927, even caste Hindus participated. Shandabai Shinde was
one such participant. In the Satyagraha it was decided to burn the Manusmriti, which
humiliated women, and shudras. In the demonstration after the bonfire of the Manusmriti
more than fifty Women participated. Ambedkar addressed the meeting thereafter and advised
women to change their style of wearing sarees, wear lightweight ornaments, not to eat meat
of dead animals. It was upper caste women like Tipnis who taught them proper way of
wearing sarees.

At the All India Depressed Classes Womens Conference held at Nagpur on 20th July, 1940
Dr. Ambedkar emphasized that there could not be any progress without women. He spoke I
am a great believer in womens organization I know that what they can do to improve the
condition of the society if they are convinced. They should educate their children and instill
high ambition in them.
Ambedkar made some memorable speeches in the Round Table conference. He placed the
view point of the depressed classes and pleaded for Dominion Status. His speeches created a
good impression upon the British public. He served on a number of important subcommittees and prepared scheme of political safeguards for the protections of depressed
classes in the future constitution of a self-governing India. Ambedkar also advocated the
immediate introduction of adult franchise.
When Ambedkar returned to India after attending the Round Table Conference in 1932,
hundreds of women were present for the committee meetings. Since Ambedkar was well
convinced about the status of women, as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee he tried
and adequate inclusion of womens rights in the political vocabulary and constitution of
India. Therefore, by considering womens equality both in formal and substantial senses he
included special provisions for womens equality both in formal and sustainable senses he
included special provisions for women while all other general provisions are applicable to
them, as to men constitutional provisions. Hence, there are Articles like 15(3), 51(A), and so
on. His key work in the preparation of Indian Constitution made it to be known as a New
Charter of Human Rights. He looked upon law as the instrument of creating a sane social
order in which the development of individual should be in harmony with the growth of
society.
Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Views and Contribution for the Women Empowerment:
The operations of caste both at the systemic level and at the functioning of patriarchy, the
growing caste / class divide in feminist political discourse makes Ambedkars view on
women's oppression, social democracy, caste and Hindu social order and philoshopy,
significant to modern Indian feminist thinking. Hence, for Indian womens movement
Ambedkar provides a powerful source of inspiration to formulate a feminist political agenda
which simultaneously addresses the issues of class, caste and gender in the contemporary
sociopolitical set up, which still keeps conservative and reactionary values in many respects,
particularly on gender relations. The writings and Speeches of Ambedkar show what values
India should develop and how they would modernize its social and political institutions.
Ambedkar saw women as the victims of the oppressive, caste- based and rigid hierarchical
social system.
In 1891 -1956 women got their real emancipator. The Manusmiriti was burnt in full public
view by Dr. Ambedkar on 25th December 1927, thus blew bugle of fight against
discrimination and exploitation on the basis of ones caste, creed, sex or place of birth. His
principle of life was to speak; work & fight for the just cause of oppressed, depressed,
exploited, illiterates, ill fed & ill-treated men & women irrespective of their caste or social
status, place of birth affiliations and without caring for his personnel life discomforts. Till
then women considered lowest of the low in the Indian society, he fought a very difficult
battle for their cause .On March 19 & 20 1927, he addressed a huge meeting of depressed
classes, including women, and gave a strong call for liberation of women. He advised them to
attend more to their development of mind and the spirit of self-help; he said that education
was as necessary for development of women as was for men. He declared As you are, so
shall be your children. He advised, let every girl who marries, stand by her husband, claim
to her husbands friend and equal and refuse to be his slave. He advocated avoiding early
marriage and producing too many children .Give proper education to your children, so that

they live a dignified life. Dr. Ambedkar advocated for equal wages for equal work without
discrimination on the basis of sex or caste, besides grant of paid maternity leave to expecting
mothers. While strongly supporting proposed maternity benefits to women in Bombay
Legislative Council in 1928 he said - it is in the interest of the Nation that the mother ought
to get a certain amount of rest during the pre-natal period and also subsequently
Constitutional Provisions:
Dr. Ambedkar tried an adequate inclusion of womens right in the political vocabulary and
constitution of India, i.e.
Article14 - Equal rights and opportunities in political, economic and social spheres.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the ground of sex.
Article 15(3) enables affirmative discrimination in favour of women.
Article 39 Equal means of livelihood and equal pay for equal work.
Article 42 Human conditions of work and maternity relief.
Article 51 (A) (C) Fundamental duties to renounce practices, derogatory to the dignity of
women.
Article 46 The state to promote with special care, the educational and economic interests of
weaker section of people and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of
exploitation.
Article 47 The state to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living of its people and the
improvement of public health and so on.
Article 243D (3), 243T (3) & 243R (4) provides for allocation of seats in the Panchayati Raj
System.
Dr. Ambedkar by his scholarly arguments in framing/debating Indian constitution get put his
seal of equality for women by getting them right of vote to equalize her position in running
the State affairs.
The Hindu Code Bill:
Dr. Ambedkar not only ascertain constitutional guarantees to women but also introduced and
got passed four Acts which strengthened the position of women in the society. These were
incorporated in the Hindu Code Bill. These are:
i) The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
ii) The Hindu Succession Act, 1956.
iii) The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956.
iv) The Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956.
The Present Scenario of Women Empowerment in India:
Reservations for women in Parliament becomes a reality, women's voice will be heard in the
highest forum of democracy. The day, women of India will reach zenith in their
empowerment. But a lot of work has to be done. Dependent women are not empowered
women. If modern women think that they are empowered, it's a myth for them. Some
qualities to be acquired by women to become truly empowered are awareness about risk
prevailing at home, in work place, in travelling and staying outside home. They should have
political, legal, economic and health awareness. They should have knowledge about support
groups and positive attitudes towards life. They should get goals for future and strive to
achieve them with courage. The best gift parents today can give to their daughters is
education. If women choose to be ignorant then all the efforts taken by the Government and
women activists will go in vain. Even in twenty-fifth century, they will remain backward and
will be paying a heavy price for their dependence. In addition to women empowerment the
Present Prime Minister Modi launched twin programmes of "Beti bachao, beti padhao" and

"Sukanya Samriddhi account" in a bid to encourage birth and education of girls and tackle the
abysmally low child sex ratio of 918 girls for 1000 boys. The campaign will be initially
implemented in the 100 districts, and across the country where the sex ratio is rather poor. A
reward of Rs 1 crore will be given for the "innovative" village which attains a balanced sex
ratio.
Increasing incidences in women harassment in all way, violence, crime and humiliation
insisted on her is only because of political apathy, which failed to kept social dogma.
Education system, employment opportunities, tremendous population, inflation and nonavailability of resources to strive are the barriers for development among people. Sheer
influence of modern lifestyle and adopting technology doesnt mean improvement of
individual and society. Much is talked about women empowerment today but it is more
economic, political and health related. The issue of social empowerment of women needs to
be raised higher and given utmost importance then only it could complete phenomena.
Women empowerment has five components: womens sense of self-worth; their right to have
and to determine choices; their right to have access to opportunities and resources; their right
to have the power to control their own lives; both within and outside the home; and their
ability to influence the direction and social change to create a more just social and economic
order, nationality and internationally.
Dr. Ambedkar strongly believed that women empowerment can be achieved by welfare of
women. The activities of empowering women worldwide should follow the vision of Dr.
Ambedkar.
It is the education which is the right weapon to cut the social slavery and it is
the education which will enlighten the downtrodden masses to come up
and gain social status, economic betterment and political freedom
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Conclusion:
Keeping in mind the importance of Ambedkars views towards Indian society, in the
condolence message, on Ambedkars death in parliament, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
said Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a symbol of revolt against all oppressive features of
Hindu society. His dream of society, based on gender equality is yet to be realized and
therefore his thoughts are important for the social reconstruction that favors women
empowerment. The teachings and thoughts of Dr. Ambedkar are useful not only for women
but also all the Indian even today. His deep concern and feelings for all round development of
women is expressed from his each sentence and word.
In his last speech in Indian Parliament we can know his feelings and respect showed towards
women. He quoted the famous thoughts of an Irish Patriot Daniel O Connal as, No man can
be grateful at the cost of his honour, no woman can be grateful at the cost of her chastity. And
no nation can be grateful at the cost of his liberty. But still discrimination against women in
Indian society is overlooked. So it is our duty to fulfill the dreams of Ambedkar for a better
life world of women. It may also be mentioned here that the term Social Justice will not be
exercised properly if the people of India should not change their attitudes especially towards
women, SCs, STs and other weaker section of the society.
At present the Indian women have progressed a lot in various parts of their life although they
are still suffering from various social evils like dowry, eve teasing, rape etc. According to
Sarvekshna (1997) data, 16.23 million of women headed households are existing in India and
out of which 72 percent are residing in rural areas. Therefore, economic uplift of the rural
women headed households and empowering them with right to property would enable these
families to fight against poverty. Obviously, a property less women can hardly empower her
daughter with right to property and which would ultimately create a vicious circle.

Women's work participation in income earning activities and in organized sector is very low.
Women in general and belonging to rural areas in particular are deployed in unpaid household
activities. Only 15 percent of women are working in the organized sectors. In the unorganized
sectors, women's employment opportunity is characterized with seasonality, unskilled
assignments, discrimination in salary/wage etc. So, there is need for empowerment of women
in rural areas not only socially but also through economical and financial empowerment.
It is a fact that in the glorious development of Indian society, the Indian women have march
forward to the developmental process and somewhere treated equally with their male
counterparts but it is yet to be realized by the people of India that women should have given
the equal rights and opportunity with men so as to establish a shining India where women can
live freely and equally irrespective of religion, caste, creed, gender etc.
Prof. A. K. Sen. has also said, Ambedkar is my Father in Economics. He is true celebrated
champion of the underprivileged. He deserves more than what he has achieved today.
However he was highly controversial figure in his home country, though it was not the
reality. His contribution in the field of economics is marvelous and will be remembered
forever..!
As a Girl I feel, if the Person Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was not there I would not be where I am
now. Thanks to Dr .B.R.Ambedkar for his contribution towards upliftment and empowerment
of womens in India.
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and Social Justice-Volume II, pp 264
Dhanvijay Vaishali (2012).DR. Babasaheb Ambedkars efforts for women empowerment and
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Journal Volume-I Issue II.
Keer Dhananjay (1995).Dr. Ambedkar: Life and Mission. Popular Prakashan Bombay.
Kumari Manjeet. & Chhabra Upansana (2015) .Women Empowerment: In Present Scenario.
IRCS International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in social & Management Sciences.
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Kumar, Shiva. (1996).UNDPs Gender-Related-Development Index: A compilation for Indian
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Sridharan Damyanty. (2009).Journey Towards Empowerment. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung India
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Sinha, S.K. (1977). Weaker section of rural population-Some results of 25th round of
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