Role of women in Hinduism since ancient times till today

As such there is no “fixed” and “immutable” positions on anything in Hinduism and everything is conditioned by time, place and circumstance. The role of women has changed over the centuries and will keep on changing. Leaving aside the past and focusing on the present we can confidently say:- Biological role of women is the same as it has always been and always will be, in spite of the Post-modern gender theories. Social role of Hindu women was to take charge of, and manage the home. With education and career pathways opening up many women choose to outsource this work and to focus on their careers - perfectly fine.

Professional role of Hindu women is whatever they want it to be - India elected a female Prime Minister and there are many women politicians, doctors, scientists, teachers etc. In the west gender parity has not quite extended to construction work - in which Hindu women have been involved for centuries! So women can do whatever vocation or profession they like and to which they are suited.

Religious role of women was educating the children about the Dharma, values, concepts and custom and tradition. These functions have now been outsourced to the TV. Religious positions are gradually opening up and there are institutes which are now teaching women priests. Women are already represented among the gurus (gurvis) and monastics (sannyasins) although small in number compared to men. Basically there is nothing in Hinduism to prohibit women from joining the priesthood or becoming monastics other than a professional aspiration on their part. There may be social pressure from families and other stakeholders which needs to be overcome.

So basically women can do whatever they want - they can make their own choices and there should be equality for all in terms of access to education, healthcare and job-opportunities. Men should back off and give the ladies autonomy to make their own decisions.

Rig Veda 5;61;6— 8:

uta tvā strī ?a?īyasī pu?so bhavati vasyasī | adevatrāda rādhase || 6 ||

vi yā jānāti jasuri? vi t??yanta? vi kāminam | devatrā k??ute mana? || 7 ||

Yes many a woman is more steady and better than the man who turns away from the Gods, and serves not others. She who assists the weak and the worn, the person who thirsts and is in want; she sets her mind upon the Gods.Lots of rules are very local to a region or a caste. It's not a monolithic religion with a rule book, like you seem to be assuming. For example, in a kshatriya or warrior caste, there would be greater historical emphasis on males having a macho personality. So, empowerment of women would be impacted, and more focused on raising the kids and taking care of household, while the man engaged in training for warfare, under the king.

In a Baniyas or trader caste, the males would be engaged in sitting in the front of the shop and dealing with customers, keeping the accounts. Perhaps, sometimes, the woman might take turns when the man is sick. But mostly women might be doing so back of the shop work. Like processing grains etc. In a Brahmin or priestly family, I guess things would become even more sedentary. Perhaps, learning some cultural stuff like music or dance might be seen among the women. Many female singers and dancers have come from this caste.

In a Shudra family, which were historically, left with labour intensive and menial jobs, I guess, women would be involved in assisting the men in physical labour, like tilling the fields, or even in cleaning occupations. And irrespective of caste, if the man is into bad habits like drinking or gambling, then women are going to be affected negatively. And in today's world, the nature of jobs are changing. Education levels are rising. Social awareness and economic independence are also increasing. So, obviously these would have direct impact on the role of women, in all of the caste types mentioned above.

Amidst all these changes, people continue to do their worship and rituals in pretty much the same way as before. So, stop looking too much into the scriptures to make your judgement on the role of women. Practical circumstances matter far more. Historically, Indians have been as patriarchal as any other country, irrespective of religion, and modernity is changing that. The Vedas hold women in high esteem and address them as dharma Patni (one who promotes and preserves the rightful conduct of life).

Traditionally in Hinduism, a woman's role has been seen as supporting family life including playing an important role in the religious activities of the family. In Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, Shri Krishna pointed out to his disciple Arjuna that women are as worthy and as capable as men of achieving liberation, or moksha. Hindu texts extol the virtues of womanhood and of the essential role women have in nurturing future generations. Source:The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization” >> Author > Sri.Ananth Sadhaashiv Altekar ,(Poona) > Publisher > Home Contact us ( year of Publication 1959/Reprint 1987 / current 2021.

Women should be Valiant. Yajur Veda 10.03. Women should earn Fame. ~Atharva Veda 14.1.20. Women should be Scholars. ~Atharva Veda 11.5.18. Women should be Illuminating. ~Atharva Veda 14.2.74. Women should be Prosperous and Wealth. ~Atharva Veda 7.47.2. Women should be Intelligent and Knowledgeable. ~Atharva Veda 7.47.1.Women should take part in Legislative Chambers. ~Atharva Veda 7.38.4. Women should be given lead stage for Ruling nation. ~Rig Veda 10.85.46. Women should be given lead stage for Society works. ~Rig Veda 10.85.46.

Women should be given lead stage in Governmental Organizations. ~Rig Veda 10.85.46. Women should have same right as Son over Father's Property. ~Rig Veda 3.31.1. Women should be protector of Family and Society. ~Atharva Veda 14.1.20. Women should be provider of Wealth, Food. ~Atharva Veda 11.1.17. Women should be provider of Prosperity. ~Atharva Veda 11.1.17. Women should ride on Chariots. ~Atharva Veda 9.9.2 Women should participate in War. ~Yajur Veda 16.44. Be proud and always have dignity for being a Women guys no matter which religion background you come from. Jay Shri Krishna