Gandhi Jayanti: Reminder of Truth, Peace & Women's Empowerment

By: WE Staff

Gandhi Jayanti marks as the symbol of truth, justice, and non-violence. Celebrated annually on October 2, it is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a revered figure in Indian history and a global icon of peace and non-violence.

Born in 1869, Gandhi led India's struggle for independence from British rule through his philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth and resistance to injustice). His teachings continue to inspire movements for civil rights and social change globally. Gandhi Jayanti is a day of reflection on his teachings of simplicity, truth, and individual and collective responsibility. As the world faces various challenges, Gandhi's ideals remain relevant, reminding us of the transformative power of non-violent resistance, unity, and ethical leadership.

Gandhi’s Views on Women’s Empowerment

Gandhi Jayanti also highlights the significant impact of Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies on women's empowerment in India. Gandhi, often referred to as the 'Father of the Nation', advocated for women's rights and actively participated in political, social, and economic spheres. His principles of non-violence, self-reliance, and dignity became the cornerstone of women's upliftment in India.

Mahatma Gandhi's Ideologies on Indian Women's Recognition

• Women are more fitted than men to make exploration and take bolder action in non-violence.
• There is no occasion for women to consider themselves subordinate or inferior to men.
• Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity.
• If strength is meant moral power, then a woman is immeasurably man's superior.
• If non-violence is the law of our being, the future is with women.
• Woman, I hold, is the personification of self-sacrifice, but unfortunately today she does not realize what tremendous advantage she has over man.

Gandhi believed that India's salvation relies on the sacrifice and enlightenment of women. He saw men and women as equals, complementing each other. He believed that if men and women work together with faith like him, they can achieve Ram Rajya, the perfect state. Women are traditionally called abala (without strength), but Gandhi suggested that when they become sabala, all those who are helpless will become powerful. Gandhi firmly opposed gender discrimination in India, arguing against the preference for boys and neglect of girls. He viewed gender differences as an anachronism and believed that both men and women have equal rights to live and contribute to the world. He called women the noble sex, embodying sacrifice and ahimsa. He believed that if a husband is unjust to his wife, she has the right to live separately. He advocated for the sharing of housework, encouraging women to do intellectual work and men to help with cooking, cleaning, and caring.

Gandhi's Ideologies align with Contemporary Feminists

Contemporary feminists analyze the factors shaping women's status, including sexism, racism, classism, and imperialism. This development aligns with Gandhi's Satyagraha, which sought creative solutions for all forms of oppression. In India and elsewhere, there are healthy movements of Gandhi's followers, but some divert from the actual path and his theories and open up new movements. Gandhi was not against any idea but formulated views on all aspects of a woman's life, political, social, domestic, and intimate, He rooted his views on distinctly Indian soil and aimed to change attitudes of society towards women and women about themselves too.

Gandhi was known for his high moral and conservative views but also embraced extreme liberalism through education. He believed that both men and women should be educated equally in housework, as the home belongs to both. Gandhi's approach to education was aimed at building a new society, and he consistently proposed constructive proposals to bring women out of their traditional mental fetters and into a better, dignified life.