Q.4 Discuss the role of the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti in women empowerment in the State, highlighting the contributions made by Chandraprabha Saikiani.
17,Dec 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti (APMS), founded in 1926, is one of the oldest and most significant organizations in Assam dedicated to the empowerment of women. It has played a pivotal role in improving the socio-economic and political conditions of women in the state. Under the leadership of visionary figures like Chandraprabha Saikiani, APMS led numerous initiatives to uplift women by addressing issues such as education, health, and social reform.
Role of Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti in Women Empowerment:
A. Promotion of Women’s Education:
One of the core objectives of APMS has been to improve the literacy and education of women in Assam. Recognizing that education is the key to empowerment, the Samiti has advocated for greater access to schooling for girls.
Chandraprabha Saikiani, a key figure in the women’s movement in Assam, strongly believed that education was crucial for women to break free from societal constraints. She spearheaded efforts to establish schools for girls, particularly in rural areas, where educational facilities for women were scarce.
B. Fighting Social Evils and Gender Discrimination:
APMS actively worked to eradicate social evils that affected women, such as child marriage, dowry, and polygamy. Chandraprabha Saikiani, through her leadership, fought against deep-rooted patriarchal norms that kept women subjugated.
Under Saikiani’s leadership, APMS also promoted widow remarriage, challenging the regressive traditions that denied widows their rights to remarry and live with dignity.
C. Healthcare and Welfare:
APMS has also been instrumental in promoting women’s health and well-being. The Samiti organized various health awareness programs, especially focused on maternal and child health, sanitation, and nutrition.
The organization provided access to healthcare facilities for women, especially in rural Assam, where healthcare infrastructure was underdeveloped. This effort aligned with broader efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
D. Political and Legal Rights:
APMS has consistently advocated for political participation and the legal rights of women. Chandraprabha Saikiani herself was a strong proponent of women’s political empowerment. She participated in the freedom struggle and mobilized women to join the Indian National Congress, thereby encouraging them to participate in the public sphere.
The Samiti also played a key role in raising awareness about women’s legal rights, such as property rights and protection against domestic violence.
E. Economic Empowerment and Skill Development:
Through the years, APMS has promoted self-reliance among women by encouraging economic empowerment. The organization has conducted skill development programs such as weaving, tailoring, and handicrafts, enabling women to earn a livelihood and contribute to their family income.
These initiatives have helped women in rural and urban Assam to become financially independent, aligning with broader national efforts like the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana and Self-Help Group (SHG) movement.
Contributions of Chandraprabha Saikiani:
Chandraprabha Saikiani (1901–1972) was a social reformer, freedom fighter, and one of the foremost advocates for women’s rights in Assam. Her contributions to the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti and the cause of women’s empowerment are profound:
A. Champion of Women’s Education:
Saikiani’s personal experiences with gender inequality fueled her lifelong passion for women’s education. She opened schools for girls in rural areas and encouraged parents to send their daughters to school, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
Her work in the All Assam Students’ Conference (1926) highlighted her belief that education is the key to empowering women and changing societal attitudes.
B. Advocating Social Reforms:
Chandraprabha Saikiani was at the forefront of social reform in Assam. She fought against practices like child marriage and polygamy, calling for reforms to ensure women’s dignity and equality.
She also worked towards ending the exclusion of women from religious practices, famously challenging the authorities at the Kamakhya Temple in 1927, where women were denied entry.
C. Freedom Fighter and Political Leader:
Chandraprabha Saikiani was actively involved in India’s freedom struggle, encouraging women to take part in the Non-Cooperation Movement and other nationalist activities. Her political activism helped bring women into the public sphere and promoted their participation in nation-building.
She also contested elections, making a bold statement about women’s right to political participation in a male-dominated society.
D. Formation of Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti:
In 1926, Chandraprabha Saikiani founded the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti with the vision of providing a platform for women to address their issues collectively. Under her leadership, the Samiti grew into a strong organization advocating for women’s rights across education, health, and social reforms.
E. Legacy:
Saikiani’s legacy continues to inspire generations of women in Assam. She was posthumously honored with the Padma Shri in 1972 for her immense contributions to society. Her life’s work laid the foundation for women’s empowerment in Assam, particularly through her pioneering efforts in APMS.
The Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti, with its focus on education, social reforms, and women’s rights, has played a critical role in empowering women in Assam. Chandraprabha Saikiani’s visionary leadership, her dedication to women’s education, and her activism in challenging social norms greatly contributed to the Samiti’s success. Through its initiatives, APMS continues to be a strong force in ensuring the socio-economic upliftment and empowerment of women in Assam.
