“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Importance of awakening women
To awaken people
Breaking Stereotypes by challenging traditional roles. Eg- Rani Laxmibai
Intellectual Growth- Eg- Savitribai Phule awakened the marginalized sections by opening schools for girls.
Environmental Consciousness- Women are more close to environment. Eg- women led Chipko movement
Family Moves
Health and Nutrition- Eg- in Kerala, high female literacy has led to the lowest infant mortality rates in India.
Financial Stability- Dual-income households are more resilient to economic shocks.
Empowered women delay marriages – lead to smaller, more manageable, and healthier families.
Values and Ethics- Women act as the moral compass of the family, instilling empathy and integrity. Eg- Jijabai shaped the character and leadership of Shivaji Maharaj
Village Moves
Governance improvement- Eg- Chhavi Rajawat, the MBA Sarpanch of Soda village, brought solar power and clean water to her community.
Women-led self-help groups (SHGs) drive rural livelihood. Eg- Lijjat Papad (Mahila Griha Udyog) employs over 45,000 women
Sanitation Revolutions- Women are the primary advocates for toilets and clean water. Eg- “No Toilet, No Bride” movement in Haryana
Community Health- Women as frontline workers (ASHAs) have been instrumental in making India polio-free and managing rural COVID-19 vaccination.
Nation Moves
Gender equality in labor force participation can increase national GDP by 25% (IMF).
Peace and Security- Eg- Rwanda, with the world’s highest percentage of women in parliament, moved from genocide to becoming one of Africa’s most stable nations.
Policy Inclusivity- Women in parliament pass laws that protect the vulnerable (maternity leave, safety laws).
Nordic Countries (Sweden, Norway) moved to the top of the Human Development Index by institutionalizing gender equality.
Women are key to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nehru’s vision was one of concentric circles of progress. “Awakening” of a woman is the spark that can ignite the entire machinery of a civilization.