(i) State the role of Pramila Dandavate and Vidhya Bal in women’s upliftment.

Question

Read the passage and answer the questions:

Vidya Bal’s periodicals, Nari Samata Manch, and Milun Saryajani, as also the work ofthe Samajwadi Mahila Sabha and the Krantikari Mahila Sanghatana were of great help in dealling with women’s issues. The Employment Guarantee Scheme in Maharashtra also helped to empower women. Pramila Dandavate established the Mahila Dakshata Samiti in Delhi in 1976. Branches of the Samiti came up in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The Communist Party established the Akhil Bharatiya Janavadi Mahila Sanghatana in 1980. Efforts were made to start branches of this Organisation in all parts of India. The Sanghatana started a struggle against issues like dowry, female foeticide, domestic abuse, Research on women’s issues was undertaken at various levels. Women’s Studies Centres were started at the first women’s university, Mumbai and at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Shivaji University, Kolhapur. These Centres played an important role in critical analysis and in developing a vision on women’s issues.

(i) State the role of Pramila Dandavate and Vidhya Bal in women’s upliftment.

(ii) Where are the women’s study centers located in Maharashtra?

(iii) Do you think International Beauty Pageants can help in creating awareness about women’s issues? why?

Answer 1

(i) (a) Pramila Dandavate established Mahila Dakshata Samiti in Delhi in 1976. 

(b) Vidya Bal published periodicals like ’Nari Samata Manch’ and ‘Milun Saryajani’.

(ii) Women study centers are located at:

• Shrimati Nathibai Damodar Thakersey Women’s University – Mumbai. 
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences – Mumbai. 
• Savitribai Phule University – Pune 
• Shivaji University – Kolhapur.

(iii) Yes, International Beauty Pageants can help in creating global awareness on women’s issues world wide. 

The participants in these events come from different cultures and backgrounds, they speak on many subjects affecting women which is covered by international media. Concerns pertaining to women’s political rights have been brought to the notice of the world through these pageants.