As the world observes International Women’s Day, it is imperative to reflect on the evolution of India’s women’s movement—a relentless struggle driven by resilience, intellect, and an unwavering quest for justice. Deeply embedded in the nation’s socio-political fabric, Indian feminism has advanced through multiple waves, dismantling systemic oppression and advocating for gender equity across all spheres of life.
Among the most formidable voices shaping this movement, Urvashi Butalia stands as a trailblazer. A writer, publisher, and activist, she revolutionized discourse on gendered histories with The Other Side of Silence, shedding light on women’s overlooked narratives during the Partition. As the co-founder of Kali for Women—India’s first feminist publishing house—she created a vital platform for women’s voices, sparking critical conversations on issues ranging from gender-based violence to reproductive rights and workplace equity.
The movement’s foundation was built by pioneers such as Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Kamla Devi Chattopadhyay, Muthulakshmi Reddy, and Durgabai Deshmukh. Their contributions laid the groundwork for battles fought today. From early struggles for suffrage to contemporary fights against gender-based violence and wage disparity, Indian feminism has drawn strength from both grassroots activism and academic rigor. The abolition of Sati and child marriage, the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act (2005), and the legal resistance against workplace harassment through the Vishaka Guidelines (1997) stand as milestones in this ongoing journey.
International Women’s Day is not just a moment for reflection but a call to action. While progress is undeniable, deep-rooted patriarchy, gender pay gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership continue to obstruct true equality. Celebrating the indomitable spirit of India’s feminists must go hand in hand with amplifying emerging voices, ensuring the movement’s momentum never wanes.
At The Interview World, we salute the pioneers and changemakers who have fought—and continue to fight—not just for women, but for the very soul of justice and democracy. This Women’s Day, let’s move beyond symbolic celebration and commit to concrete action, fostering a society where dignity, equity, and opportunity transcend gender.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the 20th edition of the Asian Women’s Film Festival, hosted by International Association of Women in Radio & Television (IAWRT), Urvashi Butalia, Co-founder of Kali for Women and Founder of Zubaan Books, underscores the critical role of archiving women’s movements in preserving history, driving social change, and inspiring future generations. She reflects on how the movement has evolved since independence, highlights the challenges of preserving and archiving feminist history, and shares the initiatives her organization is spearheading to safeguard these invaluable narratives. Here are the key takeaways from her compelling insights.
Q: How does archiving women’s movements contribute to preserving history, fostering social change, and inspiring future generations?
A: Archiving the women’s movement is not just important—it is imperative. If we do not document our own history, no one else will. For generations, society has ignored the invaluable contributions of women to this nation’s progress, erasing their impact from the broader historical narrative. We cannot rely on others to recognize or preserve these stories. The responsibility falls on us to ensure that the voices, struggles, and achievements of women are recorded and remembered. If we fail to act, this vital knowledge risks being lost forever. Preserving our history is not just a duty—it is a necessity for future generations.
Q: How has the women’s movement in the country evolved since independence, and how will archiving support its growth and future impact?
A: The archive will serve as a crucial repository, documenting the immense contributions of women. It will gather all available historical materials in one place, ensuring easy access for future generations. The scale of the women’s movement is too vast to capture fully, yet history has already erased many pivotal figures.
Take Rajkumari Amrit Kaur—her role in founding AIIMS remains largely unrecognized. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who played a key role in creating the city of Faridabad, has been similarly forgotten. Muthulakshmi Reddy, Durgabai Deshmukh, and the 15 women who helped draft the Constitution—these names and their legacies deserve remembrance, yet few know of their impact.
Since no one else is documenting this history, the responsibility falls on us. We must ensure these stories reach the public. The feminist movement of the 1970s, when women like me became actively involved, also demands recognition. It challenged deep-rooted injustices—violence against women, dowry deaths, rape, and female feticide. It also achieved significant legal reforms, including changes to laws on gender-based violence and the enactment of the POSH Act.
Yet, history books remain silent. Neither sociology nor independence-era histories acknowledge these struggles and victories. If we do not record and share this history, it risks being erased forever.
Q: What key challenges do you face in preserving and archiving information?
A: The challenges are immense, starting with the scarcity of information. Funding poses another major obstacle—we simply don’t have the financial resources to build archives. And archives aren’t easy to create. They require technology, infrastructure, and expertise, all of which are beyond our reach.
Even if we gather the material, how do we organize it? How do we make it accessible? Who gets to see it? These questions add layers of complexity.
Then there are internal challenges. Take oral histories, for example. What women shared 30 or 40 years ago might now put them at risk. Publishing those accounts could make them vulnerable, forcing us to weigh preservation against protection. Every step presents difficult decisions, making this effort both necessary and deeply challenging.
Q: What initiatives is your organization undertaking to address these challenges and contribute to the archiving of women’s movements?
A: Our organization has been building archives for years, preserving the rich history of the women’s movement. We have curated a collection of posters that capture its powerful visual narrative. Our archive also holds around 85 interviews with women activists, documenting their experiences and insights.
Given our strong focus on the Northeast, we have created a dedicated archive featuring interviews, workshops, and other materials from the region—all meticulously recorded and made available on our website. Now, we are expanding our efforts to document how communities collect and preserve their own histories. While the task is ambitious, we remain determined to succeed.
