This article has been written by Ms. Neha Udayan a 3rd year student of Lloyd Law College (LSL), Greater Noida
ABSTRACT
Religion symbolizes cultural beliefs, ethics, values, brotherhood, love, etc. There are many religions in the world. As we all know and hear from our day-to-day lives like Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jainism, Buddhism, and many more we will get a lot more if we explore the world. Christianity is the biggest religion in the world. It has many followers inside and outside India. Christianity symbolizes white pigeon (peace).
INTRODUCTION
Women’s rights have been conveniently overlooked in many Christian-dominant nations. Though the grab of freedom and equality is maintained, somewhere this continuous onslaught on women folk is a recurring phenomenon. This needs to be corrected.
Women’s Rights in Christianity
In earlier times i.e. around 18 -19th Century status of women was not good not only in the Christian community but also in the rest of the religions or communities. They were not known to the outside world, they were told to sit inside the house around four walls and look after their children, husbands, and other members of the family. They didn’t have their voices heard in any matter, they were told to listen to their husband or the main patriarchal head of the family. Women didn’t have any sort of rights such as in jobs, even if some women were working, they were not paid well, and right to inherit property, or to explore the outer world. Despite the image of a Christian society that is free, equal, and inclusive, the reality is very different. North America is viewed as a place where women have equal rights, but violence against them is still unchecked.
A missionary in Kenya was having that the strict patriarchal role of men being in charge and women being submissive, actually came hand in hand with violence towards women. Girls were expected to go through a procedure known in most of the world as female genital mutilation and were often denied an education because their place was in the home. If we go to Scripture, we see that the Bible does not hide from hard subjects, but we do. The Bible talks openly about the devastating effects of patriarchy on women. Bathsheba was raped and her husband was murdered. Hagar was raped by her master’s husband. Abraham gave his wife as a sex slave to Pharaoh to protect himself. In Judges 19 a woman is raped to death. A movie named Enola Holmes shows us a similar situation in how girls should behave, they train them how to laugh politely and even they are trained to walk with their head down. Over all they are trained to be a lady in society, to become respectful wives and mothers.
Role of Church
Some church promotes an anti-female perspective. The women have been told that they must be better wives. As a norm, wives were subject to physical and mental abuse. Women were sexually exploited in Sunday schools and missionaries. Men in churches were treating women in bad ways. But as time passes women are coming forward and raising their voices against men in churches and speaking out about the harsh truths which they suffered under them.
Biblical teachings encourage the equality of all believers in Christ irrespective of gender. It also encourages mutual love and respect within marital relationships—ongoing progress in understanding and promoting women’s rights in modern societies. While specific laws addressing women’s rights are not explicitly mentioned or stated, certain principles advocate for them. Many Christian communities actively work to interpret and apply these principles in ways that align or structure with equality, justice, and protection of women’s rights today.
The New Testament focuses on women being the managers of the households and highlights their roles as wives and mothers. Today modern views of the church empower women as wives, and mothers but also as successful leaders.
Indian Perspective –
The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including the right to equality (Article 14), freedom of religion (Article 25), and protection against discrimination (Article 15). These provisions apply to Christian women as well. In the Christian religion, women are known as Malaka (means fairy, an angel in Malayalam) of Jesus Christ. Many Christian denominations emphasize all individuals’ inherent dignity and equality, irrespective of gender. The Bible teaches that both men and women are created images of God. All have equal value in the eyes of God. Several passages in the bible emphasize the importance of respecting and honoring women.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2006 – This law applies to women of all religions, including Christianity, and aims to provide protection and relief to victims of domestic violence.
Anti-Discrimination laws – Indi has various laws aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender, including the Equal Remuneration Act, of 1976 which ensures equal pay for men and women performing the same work.
Christian Personal laws –
In India, Christian personal laws relating to marriages, divorce, and succession are primarily governed by the Indian Christina Marriage Act of 1872 and the Indian Succession Act, of 1925. They protect the rights of Christian marriages and inheritance.
Divorce – The Act provides for the dissolution of Christian marriages through divorce. Grounds for divorce are outlined and procedures for obtaining a divorce are specified.
Matrimonial Causes – Matters related to the restitution of Conjugal Rights, Judicial Separation, and Nullity of marriage are covered under this Act.
International Perspective –
Universal Declaration of Human Rights- The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations, outlines fundamental human rights, regardless of religion. Also includes principles of equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination.
Religious Freedom Protections – Many countries, influenced by international norms, have laws protecting religious freedom. These laws aim to ensure that individuals, including Christian women, can practice their faith without fear of discrimination or persecution.
Property and inheritance rights of women under Christian law –
1 Property rights of wife and widow- According to Christian law, if a wife does not receive maintenance from her husband, she can file for divorce from her husband. After her husband’s death, a widow can inherit one-third of his property. Children get the remaining shares. She will receive half of her husband’s property if there are no children. The Christian law caps the minimum amount to Rs 5000 that a wife can inherit from her dead husband.
2 Property rights of Daughter – A daughter in a Christian family shall get and equal share of her paternal properties apart from her siblings. She is eligible to reside on her paternal property and receive maintenance from her parents until she marries a man. After marriage, her husband is responsible for maintaining her requirements.
3 Property rights of mother – According to women’s property rights in Christian law, a mother is not dependent on her children. Mother, a mother cannot get maintenance. However, if her child dies and has no children, then the mother is eligible to receive one-fourth of his property.
‘I began advocating for women’s rights because I saw Christ do it first’ said Meghan Tschanz (feminist). In the Old Testament, we hear story after story of ‘men going after more power, more wealth, more prestige– and then emerges Christ: a man who sought not to acquire power but give it away. A man who came to serve and not be served. A man who welcomed women in his ranks and broke from long-held religious patriarchal norms’. Here it is being referred to because girls’ or women’s positions were oppressive.
CONCLUSION
Throughout history, women have faced prejudice, discrimination and disadvantage. Men still enjoy privileges that women are striving to equalize. Unfortunately, because of so many traditions and power structures that are embedded in society, women may continue to face pressure from society to certain standards. But in today’s time, the positions of women are getting better as there are various laws as mentioned above that exist to protect women’s rights in society or country. Girl children are getting educated, they are getting to know about the rules and regulations because of which they can raise their voices for their rights and their protection, etc. Becoming a stronger woman means defining who you are for yourself, and who you want to be. As a woman myself rather strong woman will strive to develop tools to face a world that isn’t always woman-friendly.
References
- Christian Law Regarding Marriage and Divorce In India: Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 – Mohd Aqib Aslam. Link.
- The Constitution of India
- The Indian Succession Act, 1925
- Because Christ did first, I now speak up for women’s right to – Meghan Tschanz. link