Indian Women Educators

Abstract

Women worldwide must confront patriarchal norms that threaten their emancipation. However, many Indian women have to be strong when Freedom Fighters with a Vision MARILYN TOBIN confronting life-threatening roadblocks to prosperity that deny their right to a good-quality life. Although certain rights are assured in a constitution, they are often ignored in practice. In order for women to be strategic planners of their destiny, tools such as awareness, knowledge, and experience are prerequisites for success; moreover, facing everyday challenges requires strength, fortitude, and determination (Murthy, 2001; Pandit, 2000; Sen, 2005; Nussbaum, 2007). This chapter explores the potential for Indian women educators to attain self-actualization and respected partnerships with men and other women. First, India’s gendered context and its unique problems are described, with the challenges confronting Indian girls and women. Second, current trends in global alliances and initiatives in India are examined. Third, a discussion ensues about the effectiveness of Indian women’s networks, particularly the SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation] Women’s Educators’ Network. A conceptual model of their empowerment as a process is outlined, along with their perspectives on its complexity. Final comments in this section discuss the growing need to follow the lead of Indian women colleagues who are today’s freedom fighters with a vision.