Ans. The 299-member Constituent Assembly of India, responsible for drafting the country’s Constitution, included 15 distinguished women from diverse backgrounds. These women faced and overcame challenges such as patriarchy, caste oppression, child marriage, and widowhood, making their contributions even more significant. Their personal experiences deeply influenced their discussions on issues like reservations, minority rights, legislative finances, and gender equality. They not only contributed to debates on laws and policies but also ensured the inclusion of women's rights and social justice in the final Constitution.

Their collective efforts laid the foundation for a democratic, inclusive, and secular India, aiming to protect the rights of all citizens, including marginalized groups.

The 15 women in the Constituent Assembly played key roles in advocating for justice, equality, and social reforms. Below is a detailed overview of their contributions:

Name	Key Contributions
Annie Mascarene	- Played a crucial role in integrating the princely state of Travancore into independent India. - Became the first woman to hold ministerial and legislative positions in Travancore. - Advocated for the centralization of power to ensure effective democratic governance, but cautioned against complete centralization.
Hansa Jivraj Mehta	- Presented India’s first national flag on behalf of Indian women on August 15, 1947. - Consistently championed women’s issues and argued against reservations for women in the Constituent Assembly, advocating for equality rather than special treatment.
Dakshayani Velayudhan	- Emphasized that the Constituent Assembly should provide a new framework for life in the country, focusing on the rights of marginalized groups. - Opposed reservations and separate electorates for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, arguing that such measures would perpetuate divisions. - Supported Article 17 of the Constitution, which abolishes untouchability.
Amrit Kaur	- Played a significant role in both the freedom struggle and post-independence India. - Joined Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience movement and advocated for women’s political participation. - Supported the Uniform Civil Code and sought to replace “free practice of religion” with “freedom of religious worship” in the draft Constitution.
Ammu Swaminathan	- Actively fought against caste-based discrimination. - Founded the Women’s India Association in 1917 with Annie Besant to address social and economic problems faced by women workers. - Advocated for the abolition of untouchability and supported adult franchise in the Constituent Assembly.
Durgabai Deshmukh	- Known as the ‘Mother of Social Work,’ she was instrumental in nation-building and social reform. - Founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha, an institution for education and social welfare. - Advocated for lowering the age requirement for holding a seat in the Council of Ministers in the Constituent Assembly.
Begum Aizaz Rasul	- The only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly, she championed minority rights in a secular state. - Led the Indian Women’s Hockey Federation and established the All India Women’s Hockey Association.
Vijaya Laxmi Pandit	- Highlighted the responsibilities of a free India towards its citizens and the world in the Assembly. - The first woman cabinet minister during the British era. - The only woman delegate at the United Nations Organisation Conference, and the first woman President of the UN General Assembly in 1953.

Key Themes of Their Contributions:

Area	Contributions
Women's Rights & Equality	- Advocated for women's political participation and inclusion in governance. - Sought to replace special provisions with gender-neutral policies. - Worked for social and legal reforms, such as the abolition of child marriage, widowhood, and caste-based discrimination.
Social Justice	- Played an active role in the abolition of untouchability (Article 17). - Supported the removal of caste-based discrimination and fought for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Secularism	- Advocated for a secular nation where all religions and communities would be treated equally under the law. - Ensured that minority rights were safeguarded within the Constitution.
Democratic Governance	- Worked towards creating a democratic framework that ensured equal rights for all citizens. - Advocated for the decentralization of power and greater participation from the people.

Legacy of These Women:

Inspiration for Gender Equality:
Their collective efforts laid the foundation for gender equality in independent India, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for women's rights.
Shaping an Inclusive India:
They ensured that the Constitution reflected social justice, secularism, and the inclusion of marginalized communities. Their advocacy for equal rights laid the groundwork for future social reforms.
Impact on Social and Political Reforms:
The policies they advocated—such as the abolition of untouchability, adult suffrage, and the Uniform Civil Code—remain cornerstones of India’s democratic and secular framework.

Conclusion

The contributions of the 15 women in the Constituent Assembly were profound and transformative. Despite the challenges they faced, these women championed causes that shaped an inclusive, secular, and democratic India. Their relentless advocacy for women's rights, social justice, and the abolition of untouchability, alongside their focus on minority rights and a unified nation, ensured that the Indian Constitution became a beacon of equality and justice. Today, their legacy continues to inspire the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice, reinforcing their crucial role in shaping the nation we live in.

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