CBSE Notes Class 7 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 - Women Change the World

You will learn in this chapter why some professions are thought to be more appropriate for men than for women. You may learn more about how women fought for their equality in CBSE Notes Class 7 Social Science Civics Chapter 5 - Women Change the World. Education has always been one method for women to open doors to new opportunities. This chapter will provide a quick overview of the many strategies used by the women's movement to fight prejudice in more recent years. 

Women's Rights and Equality: The chapter highlights the struggles faced by women throughout history in their pursuit of equal rights and opportunities. It emphasizes the need to challenge gender stereotypes and work towards gender equality.

Role of Women in Society: The chapter explores the significant contributions made by women in various fields such as politics, science, literature, sports, and social work. It focuses on the achievements of prominent women who have made a positive impact on society.

Women's Movements: This section discusses various women's movements and organizations that have played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights. It highlights the importance of collective action and the power of women's movements in bringing about social change.

Challenges Faced by Women: The chapter also sheds light on the challenges and discrimination faced by women in different spheres of life, including education, employment, and decision-making. It addresses issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited opportunities for women.

Empowerment of Women: This section emphasizes the significance of empowering women through education, skill development, and equal opportunities. It discusses the role of government policies and initiatives in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

Inspirational Women: The chapter presents stories of inspirational women who have overcome barriers and made a significant impact in their respective fields. These stories serve as examples of courage, determination, and resilience.

Rigid expectations and Fewer Opportunities

• Many people believe that women should exclusively work in specific professions, such as nursing. Technical jobs are not suitable for them.
• Most households teach their daughters that they must get married after high school. But when Laxmi Lakra became the first female engine driver for the Northern Railways, she disproved this preconception.

Pressures abound in our society. Boys are bullied if they do not work hard and earn a good wage. 

Learning to Adapt

• Education is a crucial aspect of life.
• Today, it is impossible for us to fathom a time when some youngsters would view school and learning as inappropriate or off limits.
• Few people learned to read and write in the past. Most kids pick up tasks from their parents or other adults. Even in households where pottery, weaving, and other crafts were taught, daughters and women were viewed as second-class citizens.
• New concepts on education and learning emerged in the eighteenth century. But back then, there was a lot of antagonism to girls' education.
• Ramabai was an advocate for women's education in the 1890s.
• English was taught to Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain by her older brother and sister in spite of family opposition and went on to become a famous writer.
• Rashsundari Devi of Bengal was the first Indian woman to write an autobiography called ‘Amar Jiban

Education & Schooling Today

Today, a big number of both boys and girls attend school.

The Education Gap Between Them Still Exists

• Even if only 50% of girls acquire an education today, everyone has the right to an education.
• Every 10 years, India conducts a census to determine its population. Measurements of factors like literacy and sex ratios are made using this data.
• Many SC and ST youngsters drop out of school at a young age. Muslim girls are much less likely to finish elementary school than Dalit girls, according to the 2014 census.
• Numerous factors, including a lack of teachers and schools, transportation issues, the cost of education, and instructors' and parents' indifferent attitudes, are to blame for the poor quality of education.

Movement for Women

Girls and women now have the right to pursue an education. In areas like health, violence, and legal change, their status has improved. Women have worked very hard to bring about these developments, both individually and collectively. The Women's Movement is the name given to this conflict. Various tactics have been employed to raise awareness, combat injustice, and pursue justice for women. Here are a few glimmers of this conflict.

First, campaigning

Campaigns played a significant role in the women's movement. New laws have been passed as a result of campaigns.

In accordance with a legislation against domestic violence that went into effect in 2006, women who experience physical or mental abuse at home are entitled to some form of legal protection.

In order to safeguard women against sexual harassment at work and in schools, the Supreme Court created guidelines in 1997.

In order to punish families who requested dowry, the dowry rules were amended.

2) Showing Solidarity

The women’s movement is also about showing unity with other women and causes.

Stereotype: the Fixed image of a person and a community. Stereotypes prevent us from looking at people as unique individuals.

Discrimination: Treating people unequally.

Violation: When someone forcefully breaks the law or a rule or openly shows disrespect, we often say that he/she has committed a violation.

Sexual Harassment: Physical or verbal behaviour that is of a sexual nature and against a woman’s wishes.

Protest: To raise voice against the wrong action or decision.

Scheduled Caste (SC): It is the official term used for Dalit class of people.