Discuss the major issues before the Women’s movement in India.

Major Issues Before the Women's Movement in India

The women's movement in India has been a dynamic force advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. While progress has been made, several persistent issues continue to shape the agenda of the women's movement in the country:

1. Violence Against Women:**
Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry-related violence, and female infanticide, remains a grave concern. The women's movement seeks to address these issues by advocating for legal reforms, stronger law enforcement, and societal awareness.

2. Discrimination in Education and Employment:**
Despite advancements, women still face discrimination in educational institutions and workplaces. Issues like unequal pay, limited career opportunities, and gender-based stereotypes persist. The women's movement calls for equal access to education and job opportunities and challenges stereotypes perpetuating gender bias.

3. Sexual Harassment at Workplace:**
The #MeToo movement gained momentum in India, highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment at workplaces. The women's movement advocates for safer work environments, stringent anti-sexual harassment policies, and mechanisms to ensure justice for survivors.

4. Female Foeticide and Infanticide:**
The skewed sex ratio and practices like female foeticide and infanticide continue to be major concerns. The women's movement works to challenge patriarchal norms, promote the value of the girl child, and advocate for stringent measures against those involved in sex-selective practices.

5. Access to Healthcare:**
Women, especially in rural areas, face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare facilities. Maternal mortality rates, reproductive health issues, and the lack of awareness about healthcare rights are key concerns. The women's movement strives for improved healthcare infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and accessible reproductive healthcare services.

6. Child Marriage and Dowry:**
Child marriage persists in certain regions of India, leading to numerous social and health issues. The practice of dowry remains prevalent, contributing to violence against women. The women's movement advocates for legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and community mobilization to eradicate these practices.

7. Lack of Political Representation:**
Despite constitutional provisions, women's political representation remains disproportionately low. The women's movement seeks to enhance women's participation in politics by advocating for reservations, encouraging women's involvement in decision-making bodies, and challenging gender biases in political spaces.

8. Caste and Gender Intersectionality:**
The intersectionality of caste and gender presents unique challenges. Dalit women often face multiple layers of discrimination. The women's movement works towards recognizing and addressing the intersectional nature of gender-based discrimination.

9. Cyber Harassment and Online Violence:**
With the rise of digital spaces, women face cyber harassment, online threats, and stalking. The women's movement focuses on creating awareness, pushing for stronger legal frameworks, and combating online violence against women.

10. Unequal Social Norms and Stereotypes:**
Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes perpetuate gender inequality. The women's movement challenges these norms through awareness campaigns, education, and advocacy to transform societal attitudes towards gender roles.

In addressing these issues, the women's movement in India collaborates with civil society, legal institutions, and the government to create systemic change. The movement continues to evolve, incorporating intersectional perspectives and adapting strategies to meet the diverse challenges faced by women in the country.