Abstract:
Indian society started to respond to the characteristic challenges of the West gradually from the dawn of the
19th century. The influence of Western culture, ideology and religion produced several social reform
movements. Social reform became the first popular issue among Indian intellectuals who, inspired by the liberal
views of social change and in the hope of preventing social abuses, were to launch movements more
particularly for women. An insight into the role of women’s movement is crucial in the current scenario.
Women’s organisations should mobilize public opinion and strengthen social efforts against oppressive
institutions and age old beliefs. It is essential to understand in detail the new women’s movements which are
manifestations of pluralistic paradigm of development and democracy. The struggle for women’s rights will
certainly become more intense in the coming decades. In view of this fact, a galaxy of women had boldly
participated in the past in the struggle for women’s emancipation. There is a qualitative difference and strategic
variations between the present women’s struggle and earlier liberation movements against oppression. This
article focuses on the women’s movement and its role in India with special focus on Tamil Nadu. It describes
the developmental activities of women at the regional, national and local levels, outlining why the overall
development scenario should include women’s activism and organizing skills. It also reviews the nature and
working of women’s organisations, as a lens to the Indian women’s movement.
