WSL Desk
Marking International Women’s Day, the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice has released a significant publication titled “The Life and Contributions of the Women Members of the Constituent Assembly.” The book pays tribute to fifteen trailblazing women who played a crucial role in drafting India’s Constitution but have remained largely unrecognised in mainstream history, according to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The publication highlights the contributions of women lawyers, social reformers, and freedom fighters who overcame structural barriers in a male-dominated political landscape. These leaders played a pivotal role in shaping key constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights, social justice, gender equality, and democratic governance.
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The book offers an in-depth analysis of their speeches, debates, and legislative interventions, emphasising their lasting impact on India’s constitutional framework. It also traces the historical evolution of women’s political participation, from the formation of the Women’s Indian Association in 1917 to their eventual role in independent India’s governance.
Key Contributions to India’s Constitutional Framework
Among the fifteen eminent women featured are Ammu Swaminathan, who championed gender equality in constitutional provisions, and Annie Mascarene, a key voice in federalism and state integration. Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, the only Muslim woman in the Assembly, advocated for secularism and an inclusive national identity. Dakshayani Velayudhan, the first Dalit woman in the Assembly, fought against untouchability and for marginalised communities’ rights. Durgabai Deshmukh was instrumental in shaping social welfare policies and promoting women’s education.
Other notable figures include Hansa Jivraj Mehta, who ensured gender justice in fundamental rights debates, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, the architect of India’s public health policies. Sarojini Naidu, known as the “Nightingale of India,” was a vocal advocate for civil liberties, while Sucheta Kripalani championed labor rights and governance reforms. Vijayalakshmi Pandit played a key role in international diplomacy and India’s global standing.
The book also features a compilation of key interventions from the Constituent Assembly debates, underscoring these women’s vision for an inclusive and egalitarian India.
Valuable Resource for Scholars and Citizens
The Ministry of Law and Justice said the release of this volume is timely, reinforcing the ongoing discourse on women’s leadership and representation in governance. It serves as an essential resource for legal scholars, historians, students, and citizens seeking to understand the vital role women played in shaping India’s democracy.
