Structures of caste, class, patriarchy, and colonialism define Indian women's lives. Multiple feminist struggles in India are creating ripples of change by reclaiming public spaces, asserting pleasure, and challenging Brahmanical patriarchy and incarceration at home and in institutions, as seen in movements like Pinjra Tod. Dalit protests and movements are reshaping understandings of identity, difference, and intersectionality. This talk delves deeper into the lives of today’s Indian women, exploring their struggles, challenges, reflections, hopes, and dreams.

This presentation delves into the role of social movements in challenging traditional gender norms, focusing on the Maoist movement in Nepal. During the Maoist movement, a significant number of women joined both state and non-state armed forces, challenging entrenched patriarchal structures. While the Maoist ideology of gender equality played a role, the argument is that the real change stemmed from the situational dynamics of war, which forced a re-negotiation of gender roles. This provides a nuanced understanding of how social movements can lead to shifts in societal norms and empowerment beyond the immediate context. In Kooperation mit dem Frauenzentrum Erlangen