In traditional Indian society, women were primarily responsible for household duties, childrearing, and maintaining the family unit.

The Upanishads, part of the Vedas, contain teachings that emphasize the equality of all beings, including women, and the importance of education for both men and women.

The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the 19th century, advocated for women's rights, including the abolition of sati and the promotion of widow remarriage and female education.

Sati is the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre, which was prevalent in some parts of India until it was outlawed in the 19th century.

Kerala has consistently maintained the highest female literacy rate among Indian states, with a rate of over 90% in recent years.

Purdah is the practice of secluding women from public view, often involving the use of veils or screens, and was prevalent in some parts of India and other Muslim-majority countries.

Durga is often depicted as a warrior goddess, symbolizing strength, power, and victory over evil.

Devdasi is the practice of dedicating young girls to a deity or temple, often involving ritual prostitution and a life of service to the temple.

Bihar has consistently had the lowest female literacy rate among Indian states, with a rate below 50% in recent years.

The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 prohibits discrimination against women in employment and mandates equal pay for equal work.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides for the protection of women from domestic violence and includes provisions for legal remedies, maintenance, and residence orders.

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 addresses the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace and provides for the prevention, prohibition, and redressal of such harassment.

Kerala has consistently maintained the highest sex ratio among Indian states, with a ratio of over 1000 females per 1000 males in recent years.

Haryana has consistently had the lowest sex ratio among Indian states, with a ratio below 900 females per 1000 males in recent years.