Jyotiba Phule’s role in empowering women hailed

Social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule played a transformative role in empowering women at a time when society was largely patriarchal and oppressive, writer Kavyashree Maganaonkar has said.

Speaking at a special lecture organised as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Dr. Ambedkar Arts, Commerce and Science College and Postgraduate Centre, run by the Karnataka People’s Education Society (KPES), in Kalaburagi on Friday, she highlighted the historical journey of women’s emancipation.

“At a time when women were subjected to punishment and discrimination, Jyotiba Phule enabled women to become educators. It is because of his efforts that Savitribai Phule became India’s first woman teacher,” she said.

She also underlined the contributions of Gautama Buddha, Basavanna and B.R. Ambedkar in advancing women’s rights.

“From the Buddha to Basavanna and, in the modern times, Dr. Ambedkar, many reformers have worked for women’s freedom. Women today have achieved education, employment and self-confidence due to their efforts,” she added.

Earlier, women’s cell coordinator Nirmala Shiragapur, in her introductory remarks, said that Constitutional rights have enabled women to lead lives of equality in modern India. “Women across the country remain indebted to Dr. Ambedkar for these rights,” she added.

KPES general secretary Shantappa Sooran spoke about practising gender equality at the family level, while college principal Siddappa S. Kanta, who presided over the programme, elaborated on pro-women Vachanas.

On the occasion, Mr. Kanta was felicitated for assuming charge as the new principal of the college.