Women in South Asia were accorded a low status, although heads of state and military personnel were an exception. Murphey (2016) explains that British westernization provided education opportunities for females, even though the numbers were minor. Many women, especially from the countryside, were uneducated, and their responsibility was to serve their husbands. However, educated females became famous in independent movements and government by 1947. Sirimavo Bandaranaike is an excellent example of a female who assumed one of the highest leadership positions from 1916 to 2000 (Murphey, 2016). After taking leadership, she became the first woman prime minister when her husband, the Sri Lanka Prime Minister, was assassinated. Sirimavo was sophisticated, British-educated, and diplomatic during her tenure.
Another significant figure was Indira Gandhi, who stepped up as a leader after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s unexpected death in 1966. She was British-educated, and her traits pleased every individual she came across. Indira had assumed the cabinet minister for information post in Shastri’s government after her father’s demise in 1964 (Murphey, 2016). When Bahadur died, Gandhi contested for Congress Party’s leadership and won because the national electorate endorsed her. She exhibited exemplary leadership skills during her era as a prime minister (1966-1977) until she died in 1984 (Murphey, 2016). However, she embraced authoritative powers between 1975 and 1979, which frustrated individuals and discredited her leadership. Jiang Qing, Mao’s wife, is also an excellent example of women leader in South Asia. She became a leader after an earthquake claimed her husband’s life in 1976. However, the emergence of Hua Guofeng’s leadership led to Jiang’s conviction with her three associates, also referred to as The Gang of Four, and she allegedly committed suicide in 1991.
In summary, despite the low status accorded to females in South Asia, they rose to power and changed many individuals’ perceptions. British westernization played a crucial role in improving the status of women. This is because it opened up education opportunities to females who significantly impacted the country’s politics. Learning in the rural areas was minimal because the wives’ primary role was taking care of their husbands.
Reference
Murphey, R. (2016). A history of Asia. 8th Edition. Routledge.