THE EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT; REFLECTED IN THE NOVELS OF MANJU KAPUR

Abstract

Literature takes life as its theme and presents it in various ways representing the condition of the people of the society. Though human beings are created with equal rights and status; it is not assured to the women by the patriarchy. The women flocks of the community were snubbed by men and considered them as a being who should follow all the traditional rules and regulations of the society but men enjoyed all priorities in the society and the family. Indian society was deeply rooted in gender discrimination, customs and social evils. The multiple superstitious beliefs suppressed the women’s flock and they were subjugated by both the educated and uneducated people. They faced inequality and rejection in social, political, economic and even in the family. Manju Kapur is a well-known writer who was convinced that only education can bring enlightenment, empowerment and cognitive development and lack of it creates a wide gap between sexes in the society.  She wanted to promulgate the real struggles of women to enhance their lives and empower them in society through education and support. This paper explores the main ideas that how education becomes the catalyst of women’s empowerment. 

Keywords: Education, Feminism, Discrimination, Empowerment and Gender Equality