EMPOWERING WOMEN: PATEL’S IDEAS AND INSIGHTS

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary ideas on women’s empowerment and gender justice, examining their historical significance and contemporary relevance. Patel, a pivotal figure in India’s independence movement, championed social reforms, opposing practices like Purdah and Sati, advocating for women’s education, and supporting their political participation, as evidenced by his opposition to discriminatory laws and his encouragement of women’s involvement in movements like the Dandi March and Bardoli Satyagraha. The seminar explores how Patel’s principles can address modern challenges in achieving gender equality across social, political, and economic spheres. Through interdisciplinary discussions, it aims to analyse the evolution of women’s empowerment, highlight the roles of governments and individuals, and propose solutions to persistent gender disparities. By revisiting Patel’s legacy in his sesquicentennial year, the seminar underscores the urgency of integrating his insights into current frameworks for gender justice.