Government of India Act 1919: The right to vote and stand for elections in provincial legislatures was extended to women in 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919. However, this right was not universal; it was restricted to women who met certain criteria, such as property ownership or educational qualifications.
The Indian Women’s Association (IWA) played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s political rights, pushing for greater participation of women in governance and elections.
The IWA was instrumental in promoting the idea of women contesting elections and demanding gender equality in political and social spheres.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy made history in 1926 by becoming the first woman elected to an Indian Legislative Council, specifically the Madras Legislative Council.
A renowned doctor, social reformer, and educationist, Dr. Reddy’s election was a significant milestone in the history of Indian women in politics.
Following the Indian Independence Act of 1947, women gained the right to universal adult suffrage, granting full voting rights to both men and women.
This led to their participation in India’s first general elections in 1951-52, where women voted alongside men, marking a monumental milestone in Indian democracy and gender equality in voting rights.
1926: Women gained the right to vote and stand for elections in provincial legislatures under the Government of India Act, 1919, with certain restrictions based on property and education.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy became the first woman to be elected to the Madras Legislative Council in 1926, a significant achievement for women’s participation in Indian politics.
1952: Women were granted full voting rights with the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and participated in the first general election of independent India, marking the full realization of gender equality in the electoral process.
This highlights the evolution of women’s participation in India’s political process, from limited suffrage in 1926 to full suffrage and equal voting rights in 1952.
