In ancient times women had an honorable position in the society. They were equal partners of men in every field of life. Sita, Savitri, Gargi and Anusuya are the pillars of Indian womanhood. During the Muslim rule women lost their position of honor and right of equality. They were kept within the four walls of the houses. During the British rule their position remained unchanged.

A great change has come in the position of women after Indian independence. Our constitution has given equal rights to women in all fields of life. They have been given equal voting rights with men. They now enjoy a place of honor in society. Today women are successfully playing their role as teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, administrators, politicians and social workers.

In the political field, women are playing their role successfully. A few years ago late Mrs. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. She was a leader of world fame. Mrs. Vijaya Laxmi Pandit occupied the chair of President of the United Nations Organization. Mrs. Vijayaraje Shindia was the Vice President of Bharitya Janta Party. Now there are so many women who are members of parliament and members of legislative assemblies.

In the medical field women have proved their ability, skill and proficiency. There are many women who are physicians, surgeons and medical experts. They are working as doctors and nurses in several important hospitals, both in India and outside. In the field of education women are doing service in a large number. Women are considered better teachers for little children. Some of them are heads of the educational institutions, professors and lecturers in colleges and teachers in schools.

Today women are adopting other challenging careers too. They are police officers army officers, pilots and air-hostesses. Mrs. Kiran Bedi is a successful police officer. How can we forget the name of Kalpana Chawla, an American astronaut of Indian origin? She was the first Indian woman who was selected in NASA. She died in the Columbia space shuttle disaster in 2003. The careers of telephone operators, T.V. announcers, typist, receptionists and secretaries are nearly reserved for them. Besides these jobs, some of them are managing vast businesses of their own.

If we have a look on the other side of women’s position in new India we find that except a few successful and strong women in general still their position is not sound. In homes and outside homes their exploitation is continuing. Even in big cities cases of rape, molestation, discrepancy, torture etc. are increasing day by day. At working places many times they are very insecure. She is no longer confined within the four walls of the houses. She is on the way of progress. Her future is lovesome and bright. Society needs to change its outlook towards women. They should be respected and co-operated. People should relies that women too have desires and feelings hence they should be provided time and resources enough to fulfill their ambitions.