By the Editor
Since time immemorial and for centuries, the concept of “Might is Right” had been a norm accepted by the society whereby women were considered to be weak and helpless and thus subjected to men who were looked upon as superior in strength and in intellect. Women too accepted their fate without any question or complaints. Many philosophers, mostly men of course, defined womanhood according to their convenience. Subsequently, there evolved the accepted practice of patriarchy. In course of time, after interaction with many types of people who were superior to them they became aware of the significance of humanity.
Previously, only men had access to education and economic activities whereas women were confined within the four walls of their houses. Backwardness and illiteracy were the compounded factors which further weakened the status of women in society. This did not continue for long and soon women began to realise about their position in the family and the society. Conscious and educated women who became aware of their rights and privileges began to organise themselves and started asserting themselves. Under the banner of different women’s organisations they, along with the support from progressive men, unitedly and courageously fought for their empowerment and had to face various intimidations and abuses from all corners until they achieved their aims and objectives. New Zealand government granted women the right to vote in 1900, the United States government in 1920 and Great Britain in 1928.
The local indigenous tribals of Meghalaya, namely the Khasis-Jaintias and the Garos, never practised any distinction between genders and adopted matrilineal custom. Members of both sexes shared responsibilities at home and outside, no matter what the task may be. Women, however, are not suppose to attend local dorbars nor expected to hold any office in the village community. With their advancement in literacy and education, the people began to be aware of their surroundings and thus started to accept the changing conditions. In their journey towards the future, they gradually began to practise those concepts and ideas for their progress and development. Tribal women of the state did not lag behind and quite a number of them have made a name for themselves not only at the state level but also at the national level and internationally as well. It will be quite a long list if their names are mentioned here. Besides venturing into various fields successfully, they have also participated in politics too.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stresses on the role of women in the society and in the country by affording them opportunities. In his approach to the empowerment of women, he was inspired by the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890) who, more than 150 years ago and that too during the British Raj, had the courage to fight for women’s right. Not only that he preached where ever he went but he also practised it. The popular slogan that the Prime Minister frequently utters — Beti Bacchao, Beti Padhao — is inspired by the works of this undaunted writer.