Are women freer in free India?

Women can work and vote; are guaranteed liberty, rights and healthcare. But what of equal pay, social equity? 'We have all the opportunities. We have only to take our rights to freedom equally with men,' writes Begum Hamid Ali

- Begum Hamid Ali

As far as women's rights for equality are concerned, there is no doubt that they have attained "freedom" in reality.

The very fact that woman finds an equal place throughout in the Constitution of India answers the question finally in the affirmative. We have all the opportunities. We have only to take our rights to freedom equally with men...

Special measures for women, such as maternity leave and allowances... are also there.

Equal pay

The article which concerns women most closely gives rights against exploitation, namely, "prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour." With the right to form associations and unions...a good part of the demands made on behalf of women labourers is conceded.

Another Article lays down that the State shall direct its policy towards securing "equal pay for equal work both for men and women," and that "citizens, men and women, have equal rights to an adequate means of livelihood." BEG HAMII The Constitution of India has systematically worked out a way of life which, taken at its true value, would neither cut us off from our age-long cultural ties nor prevent us from developing into the most modernminded, 20th century citizens.

What is a matter of deep concern to all thinking men and women is whether women have become aware of the fact that all doors, all avenues are open to them and whether they are taking advantage... Do they realize what advantages they have obtained over their mothers and grandmothers overnight by one stroke of the pen?

Chance of work

Gone are the days when no woman could hold office in the State, in the civil services or even in the universities.

Women could not practise at the Bar even after passing law examinations...