VICTIM OF CHILD MARRIAGE TO BECOMING A PIONEER OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS & GIRLS EDUCATION-Savitribai Phule
Bureau,Odishabarta
Savitribai Phule is considered to be the first female teacher and one of the pioneers of the feminist movement in India. She started the first-ever school for girls in the country in 1848 at Bhide Wada, Pune.
Bhubaneswar: As India celebrates Savitribai Phule’s 189th birth Anniversary, who was the oldest flagbearer of women’s rights and girls education, members of by Mahila Shramajeebee Mancha, Odisha, Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha and Atmashakti Trust organised a webinar to reflect upon Savitribai Phule’s contribution towards society especially against brahminical patriarchy, and how the present generation can take ahead her footprints to make a society of equality.
Despite the social injustices that were barriers for her, Savitribai was unwavering to have all women educated. She started 17 schools in the country during her time. Until 1851, she had set up three schools that taught 150 girls. She was addressing two social evils at once, while most schools were only for upper-caste students, Savitribai and Jyotirao started schools for the lower-caste and Dalit students as well.
Women’s education was not the only thing Phule wanted to be taken up in our country. She also fought against social injustices of the time like Sati, child marriage and the still prevalent caste system and was also one of the first advocates for women’s rights in the country.
“Savitribai questioned the discrimination and when the Brahmins and upper caste society refused to budge, she declared that the well in her house could be accessed by all.She wasn’t just preaching; she led by example, and we must follow her path to make a society”, said members of the organizations.
