In spite of certain outstanding examples of individual achievement of Indian woman and a definite improvement in their general condition over the last one hundred years, it remains true that our woman still constitute a large body of under – privileged citizens.

Nevertheless, they face distinctive problems that call for special attention.

The educational, economic, political and social backwardness of women makes them the largest group hindering the process of rapid social change.

Inadequate education or no education is the most important factor contributing to the backwardness of our masses, especially our womenfolk.

It is the low literacy among women which brings national literacy figure so low.

The economic structure of rural areas is such that children, especially girls, are required to help in household work and perform their chores. Young girls have to look after their younger brothers and sisters, have to get water from the well, have to carry food to the father in the field, etc. Since there is so much to be done at home, they cannot be spared for the luxury of attending a school. The resources of the poor farmer are so limited that he does not have anything to spare for the education of his children. If there are resources available it the boy who is sent to school first. Parents also do not see the value of educating their children specially daughters who would get married after all and be only housewives.

Widespread education for girls and women and a re-education of men and women is required to accept new and scientific attitudes towards each other and to themselves.