Rising of Muslim Women in Colonial India: A Case Study of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah

Abstract

This qualitative study deals with the social and political status of 20th century colonial Muslim women under the British Raj. The 20th century has witnessed many symbols of the struggle and progress of females in their socio-political and professional life. Many movements were initiated by indigenous people to address the women question; a number of reforms took place to enhance women status by British government. As a result, women emerged as professional ladies and participated with men in every field of life. At that time with many prominent Muslim women Fatima Jinnah also steps forward to empower Muslim Women of colonial India. After the establishment of Pakistan, as Madr e Millet, she continued her services to give power to women in their professions and their political participation in newly established country. She also had to face criticism from fundamental class of Pakistan but she continued her struggle till her death. The hurdles and problems for women to participate in politics due to the patriarchal social structure still exist in present time, which need to be addressed by political and constitutional reforms.