Page 623 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

degradation of women’s status. So much so that women were
considered inferior to men and were relegated to menial tasks and

being subservient to the dominant male.

c. British Period: The British Period revived the fortunes of Indian

women and the traditional male bastions were shattered as women
gained access to education and slowly the burgeoning numbers

participated in the freedom struggle.

d. After Independence: The Constitution grants equal rights to

women and gave them voting rights. Although the status of women
improved for the better, several factors hampered their rise to full

potential. They are:

Perceived rituals and social practices like child marriages,

dowry, which was being practiced especially in rural India.

Declining gender ratio due to high mortality rates among
women resulting from excessive child-bearing and

malnutrition.

Present Status

4. Though women have gained ascendency in society, they are still victims

of some of the cruel practices even today. Notwithstanding the

numerous legislations in favour of women, a large number continue to
be victims of atrocities. The term ‘atrocities against women’ refers to “a

cruel and wicked act against a woman which causes her emotional or
physical injury or both.” What is surprising is that these atrocities cover

women in all strata of society, ranging from those in abject poverty to

those who are affluent, educated and belong to the higher elite of
society.

5. Law enforcement agencies have referred to “crime against women”

under two categories: