She was uneducated at the time of her marriage. However, for Savitribai Phule, educationist, writer, and poet, education not just opened doors to a new world but also led her to widen the horizons for many girls and women like her. Hailed as a visionary who took education to every girl who aspired for it, Savitribai’s contribution to girls’ education was revolutionary on many counts. From emphasizing science and mathematics in girls’ education to creating a barrier-free environment, she was a true gender champion.
Hailing from a Maharashtrian family in the 19th Century, she was born in an era when education was beyond means for girls. She was mentored by her husband Jyotirao Phule– a well-known activist, who ensured that his wife was educated and trained as a teacher. With his support, Savitribai went on to establish schools in Maharashtra, one of the first to be started by Indians.
The resistance
Fighting discrimination based on gender and caste, Savitribai began a chain of schools in Pune, collaborating with her husband. Their education methods were different from the ones run in the public space and had a lot of emphasis on English, Science, and Mathematics. In those days, they had the vision to understand the importance of STEM at the school level, and saw education as a means to bridge social inequalities.
As expected, there was a lot of resistance to their efforts. Those who were against them educating girls attacked her every day on her way to school with tomatoes soiling her clothes. However, she was unflinching in her mission and continued the journey towards education for all. The couple was also ostracized by their own family bowing to the pressure of society.
Unrelenting fighter
But the relentless pursuit saw them not just continuing with their mission for education for all girls but also encouraging widow remarriage. They promoted marriages between consenting couples on the pledge of education and equality through Satya Shodaka marriages and led the fight against child marriage.
She also established the Mahila Seva Mandali to educate women about female foeticide, the sati system, and child marriage. Setting up homes for widows and orphans, she also established the ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’ that gave shelter to expectant widows and survivors of sexual assault.
Today, the Pune University, named after her, the Savitribai Phule Pune University, pays an ode to the significance of her tireless work in the field of education and empowerment. Every year her birthday, January 3, is marked as Balika Din, or the Day for Girls in Maharashtra.
Savitribai’s route to social equality was through education and empowerment of women— something that she strived to achieve all her life despite the storms she endured and tided over.
Watch this space throughout International Women’s Month to know more about some strong and impactful women who shaped India’s history!
