Changing the Terms of the Discourse

Preface and Acknowledgements

The last few decades have seen a significant transition in the discourses on women’s issues and efforts to reconstruct knowledge from women’s perspective. The collective challenges from the women’s movement and women’s studies have not only played a critical role in developing fresh perspectives and reforming women’s issues but have also impacted state policy initiatives and state institutions.

This volume explores debates from 1975 to 2005, after the Committee on the Status of Women in India came out with its pioneering report Towards Equality, and women’s struggles to engage the State and its institutions by seeking to change their perspectives, understanding and mindsets.

I would like to extend my special thanks ...