The women who shaped the Constitution of India

Women played a significant role in shaping India's Constitution, despite being overshadowed in historical narratives.

Their diverse backgrounds and experiences, including facing patriarchy and caste oppression, informed their perspectives on crucial issues like reservations and minority rights.

Women like Durgabai Deshmukh and Hansa Jivraj Mehta advocated strongly for a Uniform Civil Code to promote gender equality.

Despite facing criticism and challenges, these women persisted in advocating for economic, social, and political equality, contributing to the creation of India as a sovereign and secular republic.

Annie Mascarene, the first woman to hold ministerial and legislative assembly positions in Travancore, emphasized the centralization of power in democracy while cautioning against its negative impact on democratic institutions.

Hansa Jivraj Mehta, a freedom fighter and women's rights activist, presented India's first national flag on behalf of women and opposed reservations for women, advocating instead for social, economic, and political justice.

Dakshayani Velayudhan, from the Pulaya community of Kerala, supported Gandhian principles and opposed untouchability, emphasizing the transformative role of the Constituent Assembly in providing a new framework for life.

Amrit Kaur, a princess turned activist, advocated for universal adult franchise and opposed reservations for women, emphasizing the need for true equality achieved through ordinary elections.

Ammu Swaminathan, a social worker and anti-caste activist, fought against caste-based discrimination and advocated for laws like the Child Marriage Restraint Act and Hindu Code Bills for reform.

Durgabai Deshmukh, known as the 'Mother of Social Work', advocated for judicial reforms and lower age requirements for holding ministerial positions, contributing to nation-building and social welfare.

Begum Aizaz Rasul, a Muslim woman member of the Constituent Assembly, opposed reservations and separate electorates, advocating for minority rights in a secular state while warning against divisive measures.

Vijaya Laxmi Pandit, a diplomat and revolutionary, emphasized India's responsibilities towards its citizens and the global community in the Constituent Assembly. She also became a prominent figure on the international stage, as she was the first woman president of the UN General Assembly.