Periyar’s Contribution to Women’s Liberation

Scholars from various countries have focused on women’s liberation. Periyar's perception of Periyar on the issue of women’s liberation and their rights is different from that of others. He smashed the very base of the bondage that devastated the calm and happy state of women’s lives by means of his philosophical thoughts and ideals. Periyar Ee.Ve.Ramasmy strongly expounded that the adaptation of life’s principles by men only would yield nothing for social prosperity. The true freedom of the country can’t be achieved without the rise of women’s status both on the home front and outside. Periyar dedicated his whole life to elevating the position of women. He firmly believed that social progress was possible by eradicating societal inequalities and atrocities. Periyar created an awareness among women by prompting them to realise their current position in society and their state of bondage, and propagandised for the well-being of women through his writings that conveyed his message. Periyar roused rationalistic thinking in the minds of Tamils and toiled to abolish women's servitude constantly. Hence, this research paper is presented under the title, “Periyar’s Contribution to Women’s Liberation”. The untiring efforts of Periyar liberated women from their captivity. He recognised the issues that plagued women and suggested solutions to overcome them. Before the 19th century in India, women faced various issues, so Periyar was a prominent figure among those who spoke for the rights and welfare of women from these issues. The main objective of this study is to convey Periyar’s thoughts related to the welfare of women to society. Thus, this research paper is mainly intended to discuss the impediments women encounter in their path of progress and how Periyar proposed ways and means to promote women’s education and forbid the procedures of child marriage, polygamy, widow marriage, etc., Devadasi tradition should be abolished, and the divorce act should be implemented.