Dharwad: BR Ambedkar worked tirelessly to secure constitutional rights for women and bring them into the mainstream by ensuring equality across social, economic, political, and educational spheres, said Manmohan Singh University Vice-Chancellor Ramesh B. He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day international conference on 'Contributions of Dr BR Ambedkar to Women's Empowerment in India', organized at Karnatak University on the occasion of Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary.
Ambedkar's Belief in Women's Progress
Ramesh B noted that Ambedkar firmly believed that the progress of a nation depends on the empowerment of its women. He said Ambedkar made scientific analyses of women's conditions in India and envisioned equal opportunities for them. Referring to Ambedkar's seminal work 'Annihilation of Caste', he said women were historically used to sustain the varna system and subjected to exploitation for centuries. He expressed concern that even today, a significant proportion of women face malnutrition and continue to be victims of atrocities.
Legislative Reforms for Women
Highlighting legislative reforms, Ramesh B said Ambedkar, through the Hindu Code Bill, ensured crucial rights for women, including property rights. He also pointed out that nearly half of Ambedkar's writings across his works addressed women's issues, alongside extensive journalistic contributions.
Grassroots Representation
MLC FH Jakkappanavar said women's representation in local bodies stems from Ambedkar's legal framework and stressed the need to take his ideas to the grassroots. On the occasion, the research journal 'Akshara Surya' and the book 'Dr BR Ambedkar on Public Finance' by researcher Tarun Doddamani were released.
