Rise and development of Sarvodaya ideology in the thought process of women of Gandhian era

The period from 1920 to 1947 in Indian politics is the Gandhi era. During this period Gandhiji was the top man in India and he influenced all the spheres of Indian life. The national movement led by him created an unprecedented awakening among Indian women. Gandhiji had included the progress of women in his constructive programme. According to him, women have been suppressed by such laws and rituals for which men are responsible and women have had no hand in creating them. In a social system built on the foundation of non-violence, women have as much right to determine their own destiny as men. But in a non-violent society every right arises from the discharge of duty. Therefore, it is natural that the rules of social behaviour should be made through mutual cooperation and exchange of views. They can never be imposed from outside. Men have not fully realised this truth in their behaviour towards women. Instead of considering women as their friends and allies, they have considered themselves their masters and rulers.